Urgent – Legislative Action and Bill Summaries. Call your Representative today and tell them to vote no on S. 3100 and S. 2193!
Congress is currently considering legislation that would force and coerce local police to serve as immigration enforcement officers. Such proposals would reverse years of intentional, community-based policing efforts that are vital to public safety in neighborhoods across the country. On Wednesday afternoon, the full Senate will consider S. 3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, which punitively withholds federal funding for cities with community trust policies in place. They will also consider S. 2193, Kate’s Law, this week, which increases mandatory minimums for undocumented immigrants who re-enter the United States.
In light of last years’ tragic shooting in San Francisco, we ask that our nation’s leaders not politicize this tragedy or use the actions of one individual to harm entire communities.
Local detainer ordinances such as the one in San Francisco seek to foster trust between local law enforcement officers and all community members, regardless of their immigration status. When all individuals can report dangerous situations and seek protection from violence without the fear of being deported and separated from their families, safety increases for everyone.
Faith statements, articles and additional resources are below.
Faith Statements
Faith Leader Letter to Congress in Opposition to Recent Anti-Immigrant Legislation, with over 1,000 signatures
Faith Leader Letter to North Carolina Governor McCrory in Opposition to H.B. 318
Praying for Healing: Faith Community Call for Solidarity with San Francisco
City and Law Enforcement Statements
County Sheriffs of Colorado; Letter to Senator Gardner Opposing H.B. 3009
News Articles
“Don’t Blame Local Police for Bad Immigration Policies” by Mary Meg McCarthy, Letter to the Chicago Tribune
“ICE vs. the Constitution” by Hector Villagra, The Los Angeles Times
“Lost in the Immigration Frenzy” by The New York Times Editorial Board, The New York Times
“Mixing deportation and criminal justice systems harms communities” by Richard Smith, The San Francisco Chronicle
“Survivors of Violence and Fear of Deportation: A Story from an Advocate” by National Latin@ Network
“The Political Exploitation Of One Undocumented Murderer” by Esther Yu-Hsi Lee, Think Progress
“When Witnesses Are Too Afraid to Call 911” by Rich Stanek, The Star Tribune
“Why Mandatory Minimums Aren’t the Solution to the Kate Steinle Tragedy” by Molly Gill, The Hill
“Why Some Cities Don’t Rush To Turn Over Undocumented Immigrants To The Feds” by Elise Foley, The Huffington Post
Other Resources
National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women; Letter Opposing H.R. 3009
National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women; Letter Opposing S.1814
