Legislation introduced by State Senator Aric Nesbitt would impose state power over local government decisions on whether or not to allow local cooperation with federal immigration reform. The local sheriffs and police have duties to enforce local and state law but right now they are not forced to become arms of the feds when it comes to immigration status.
Nesbitt’ senate bill says it will “prohibit counties from enacting or enforcing any law, ordinance, policy, or rule that limits local officials, officers, or employees from communicating or cooperating with appropriate federal officials concerning the immigration status of individuals…”
Currently counties and cities can decide on their own whether or not to cooperate with federal authorities enforcing federal immigration law.
“I think it’s pretty common sense that law enforcement should be communicating and working with other law enforcement and the laws of our land should be enforced.”
States, cities and counties that have adopted immigrant sanctuary policies say they are exercising their rights not to be compelled to become extensions of federal agents. Some of them say being forced to help enforce federal immigration law actually can make their communities less safe because it can reduce local cooperation with local law enforcement efforts.
