Representative Kevin Kiley (R) from California released a statement on Friday after introducing the Freedom to Cooperate Act in Congress. If passed it would enable local officials who wish to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement to do so irrespective of any state law. Kiley’s District 3 covers the California side of Lake Tahoe.
“Americans have sent a loud and clear message that we need to secure our border and prioritize dangerous criminals when it comes to immigration enforcement,” Rep. Kiley said. “Many local jurisdictions across California are ready to do their part but face uncertainty because of California’s so-called ‘Sanctuary State’ law. My legislation makes clear that local law enforcement officials are free to communicate with federal immigration authorities, irrespective of misguided and legally dubious state laws.”
CLICK HERE to view text of the Freedom to Cooperate Act.
Background: Currently, 11 states are sanctuary states. All these states either reject all ICE detainers categorically, will only honor ICE detainers if the person has felonies unrelated to their illegal residency, or prohibit law enforcement from investigating if that person is here illegally. These states are:
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Colorado
- Illinois
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- New Jersey