Speech #1140106222

I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer a commonsense amendment. The GosarBridenstineDuncanGohmert -Huelskamp- JonesBarlettaBratBrooksBlack amendment prohibits funds within this act from being used in contravention of Federal immigration law for sanctuary city policies. The concept of sanctuary city policies is in direct opposition to the rule of law and our Constitution. Article I. section 8. clause 4 gives Congress clear jurisdiction on immigration matters. A nation of laws must enforce established law. not seek ways to skirt around it. Sanctuary cities defy Federal immigration statutes by harboring untold numbers of illegal immigrants and providing safe havens for criminals. many of whom are violent offenders. Our amendment prohibits the use of funds which are appropriated by this act from being used in contravention of section 642(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This Federal law prohibits sanctuary policies that prevent or obstruct government and law enforcement officials from sharing information regarding a persons immigration status with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Despite being the law of the land. more than 200 State and municipal jurisdictions across the country have established policies that directly violate the law and shield criminal illegal aliens from enforcement. The shocking case of Kate Steinle in San Francisco in 2015 revealed the danger sanctuary cities pose to our Republic. Just over a year ago. on July 1. 2015. Steinle was shot and killed by Juan Francisco LopezSanchez. an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times. San Francisco authorities were asked to detain Sanchez until he could be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. The city declined and held Sanchez in jail for less than a month on a 20yearold drug charge before releasing him on April 15. 2015. less that 2 months before he killed Steinle. Sadly.