Lawmakers Offer Proposals on Sanctuary Cities, School Protection
New legislative proposals from Senate Republicans could have an impact on federal law enforcement.
Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and 19 Republican co-sponsors are trying again to crack down on sanctuary cities and improve federal communication with local law enforcement.
Senator Cruz reintroduced the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, which would withhold certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and sanctuary states.
Sanctuary cities currently forbid local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials. The bill includes a provision that would reverse these policies, allowing local law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials.
“The American people, and Texas communities in particular, are tired of seeing our laws flouted and the crime that often accompanies illegal immigration. These jurisdictions need to be held accountable, and I will do everything I can to enforce our immigration laws,” said Senator Cruz.
Federal law enforcement employee groups have rallied in support with endorsements coming from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department.
“Law enforcement is best able to maintain public safety when we work together at all levels. Unfortunately, sanctuary cities inhibit law enforcement collaboration, even when officers on the ground have a strong desire to work with federal agencies. This is a dangerous game to play,” said FLEOA President Larry Cosme.
Similar legislation received a majority of support in the Senate in 2018 but did not receive the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
SAFE School Act
Meanwhile, after the shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced legislation to make it easier for schools to hire veterans and former law enforcement officers for security positions.
The Securing Aid for Every (SAFE) School Act establishes a $900 million grant program.
States may use the money to establish and implement a certification program to allow veterans and former law enforcement officers to receive training to become school security guards.
States can also use the money to hire current off-duty officers as school security.
The funding could also be used for a wide-range of school security measures such as improving physical security, training teachers, and purchasing equipment for school safety officers.
“By providing these critical funds, we can help protect our precious children and secure our schools,” said Senator Blackburn.
Senator Blackburn highlighted support from the federal, state, and local law enforcement community.
“Providing specially-trained, armed professionals to more schools and more funding to ensure these facilities are as secure as possible are two immediate steps we can take,” said David B. Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Senator Blackburn introduced similar legislation in a previous congress.