I rise in opposition to the Vitter amendment No. 3277. which may be considered later this afternoon on this pending Commerce. Justice. and Science appropriations bill. October 16. 2007 CONGRE This amendment would prohibit fiscal year 2008 COPS funds from being used in contravention of a provision in Federal law that relates to information sharing about a persons immigration status. The Senator from Louisiana has said this amendment is targeted at "sanctuary cities." He is referring to the policies that have been put in place by many cities. counties. and police departments in at least 23 States and the District of Columbia that limit enforcement of immigration laws by State or local authorities. These cities. counties. and police departments have decided that it is a matter of public health and safety not to inquire about immigration status when people report crimes or have been the victims of domestic abuse or go to a clinic to obtain vaccinations for their children. These State and local confidentiality policies do not stop the Federal Government from enforcing immigration lawsa traditional function of the Federal Government. not State and local governments. Rather. they reflect a decision made by State and local authorities that they do not want to have their police departments spend their time and resources enforcing a traditionally Federal responsibility relative to immigration law. Those laws are the Federal Governments responsibility to enforce. In many cities. including several in my home State of Illinois. city and law enforcement officials have decided. reasonably. they want to focus their attention and their police resources on stopping violent crime.
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immigration sanctuary cities