In Washington, the House of Representatives voted in favor of two immigration bills introduced by U.S Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke). The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act passed 228 to 195, with three Democrats voting in favor and seven Republicans vote against. Kate's Law passed 257 to 167, with 24 Democrats voting in favor and only one Republican voting against. Members of the Virginia delegation voted along party lines.
Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Roanoke says it’s time to crack down on sanctuary cities and increase penalties for immigrants who are in the country illegally. One of the bills he’s pushing is named for Kate Steinle. That’s the San Francisco woman who was killed by a person who was in the country illegally.
“Kate’s Law, the bill named for her, gives judges increased discretion to enhance the amount of time someone could be incarcerated. So I would argue that if that law were in effect, and if the judge had given this individual a longer sentence, that murder would not have taken place.”
Goodlatte’s other bill would withhold law enforcement grants from police departments that refuse to hold these immigrants without a warrant, even if federal immigration officials ask them to. Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly of Fairfax County says that’s a mistake.
“I find that ironic from the crowd that says we believe in federalism, we believe in state and local rights, we don’t think the federal government should overreach. And here they are profoundly overreaching.”
Republicans say these bills are restoring the rule of law. Democrats say they’re undermining trust in local police departments.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.