I thank the ranking member. This amendment attempts to penalize States and localities that have confidentiality policies in place. These policies are supported by our State and our local law enforcement because they encourage immigrant communities to come forward and to report crimes without fearing that immigration status will come under scrutiny. And believe me. back in Orange County. in Anaheim. in Santa Ana and some of the other cities I represent. my police chiefs are very adamant about this issue. If crimes are occurring and if the witnesses we have are immigrants. immigrants without documents. if they believe that they will be taken or deported. they are not going to want to come forward and tell us what is happening. This is very important. It Is important in hit and drive car accidents. in execution style things that happen in some of the Asian communities. This is a very important issue for our local law enforcement. The message of this amendment would say. it would intimidate Immigrants and it would make them less likely to report the crimes to law enforcement or to assist law enforcement. It would hamper the State and local law enforcements work by intimidating the potential witnesses and community members that would help to solve these crimes. In fact. this is opposed by the National League of Cities. the National Conference of State Legislatures. and the National Association of Counties.
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immigrant deported immigration immigrants Immigrants