OPINION: What is a sanctuary city?
Christian Segers, Assistant Editor
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
“Sanctuary cities” across the country were dealt a deafening blow on Monday, as Attorney General Jeff Sessions went on record to say that cities that openly defy federal immigration policies will be met with significant decreases in federal funding.
Although “sanctuary cities” is a term understood by some, there are many who simply do not get what is meant by the increasingly popular phrase. Before we can adequately understand what all being a sanctuary city entails, we must first understand what a sanctuary city is.
According to Aspan Law, “Sanctuary city is a name given to a city in the United States that follows certain procedures that shelters illegal immigrants. These procedures can be by law (de jure) or they can be by action (de facto). The term most commonly is used for cities that do not permit municipal funds or resources to be applied in furtherance of enforcement of federal immigration laws. These cities normally do not permit police or municipal employees to inquire about one’s immigration status.”
The problem with illegal immigration is twofold. First, there is no way to adequately track those who are guilty of committing crimes and illegal immigrants who do not pay taxes. In an age where taxes are increasing their burden on everyday American citizens, there is no excuse for respective bureaucrats to house them.
Due to varying issues (often on a moral basis), sanctuary cities will work independently of ICE agents, in order to secure the “safe” release of an illegal immigrant or to prevent federal agents from serving a custody transfer in the state or the city in which the illegal alien resides. Although American cities are technically required to cooperate with federal authorities, certain bills have been passed or precedent set by the aforementioned cities, so that illegal immigrants can continue on with their lives.
Unfortunately, sanctuary cities are knowingly aiding and abetting mass numbers of criminals, who, due to their immigration statuses, cannot be tracked or accounted for.
“Cities like San Francisco actively protect illegal immigrants,” according to Fox News. “They refuse to turn over people who committed low-level crimes to federal agents for deportation. And when ICE asks for a ‘hold’ on a prisoner, the city ignores it. Often they walk free.”
Tragically, Kate Steinle, a San Francisco native, was shot and killed by Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez, in July 2016. Sanchez was residing in the U.S. illegally, despite being deported on five occasions. ICE agents sought to detain Sanchez, but he was released prematurely by the city, despite his seven prior convictions. Instances like this show the price that is paid when government officials refuse to do their job.
Despite facing large amounts of criticism, Texas Governor Greg Abbott says that he is, “…itching to sign state legislation that could imprison county sheriffs in the Lone Star State if they refuse to cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement authorities.”
Although a few other governors are considering levying a penalty on statewide employees who refuse to report and detain illegal immigrants, the biggest penalty will come through whatever federal funding is cut due to their continued illegal actions.
Although it would be an amazing display of humanity for the United States to have completely open borders for immigrants, the notion to allow immigrants to reside undocumented within our country, is simply not feasible, safe or legal.
A complete list of sanctuary cities in the United States can be found here.
