WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Thursday released the following statement after voting to pass Kate’s Lawand the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, which would ensure our nation’s immigration laws are properly enforced and dangerous criminals in the country unlawfully are not set free:
“For too long, sanctuary cities and lax enforcement of our immigration laws have left our communities vulnerable to dangerous criminals and cost innocent lives. Today we took action to protect the American people, uphold the rule of law, and begin fixing our broken immigration system. By giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep unlawful immigrants who commit crimes off the streets, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and Kate’s Law will make our communities safer.”
BACKGROUND
Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004) would increase penalties for unlawful immigrants who re-enter the country after being deported. It would also allow for enhanced prison sentences for unlawful immigrants convicted of multiple misdemeanors or a felony, including up to 25 years in prison for an unlawful immigrant convicted of murder, rape, kidnapping, or terrorism. The bill is named for Kate Steinle, who was murdered in 2015 by an illegal immigrant who had previously been deported five times and convicted of multiple felonies. H.R. 3004 passed the House by a vote of 257 to 167.
The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003) would combat sanctuary policies that shield unlawful and criminal immigrants from enforcement of federal immigration laws. It would prohibit state and local government entities from mandating noncompliance with federal immigration enforcement and would withhold certain federal grants from jurisdictions that prohibit their officers from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill would also ensure unlawful immigrants convicted of driving under the influence or arrested for a violent crime are detained during their removal proceedings. H.R. 3003 passed the House by a vote of 228 to 195.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
