Goodlatte: Trump administration exposing recklessness of sanctuary policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement on the Declined Detainer Outcome Report issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which found that numerous jurisdictions declined dozens of detainers for criminal aliens from January 28, 2017 to February 3, 2017:

“I applaud President Trump and Secretary Kelly for their commitment to end dangerous sanctuary policies and for their efforts to show the American people the recklessness of these policies. Sanctuary cities needlessly jeopardize public safety by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Too often, these policies result in preventable tragedies, such as the murder of Kate Steinle. Under the Obama Administration, sanctuary cities were allowed to flaunt their irresponsible policies and faced no consequences.

“But unlike his predecessor, President Trump is shining the spotlight on sanctuary cities to expose the danger they pose to American communities. The Trump Administration has revealed that in one week alone, dozens of detainers for criminal aliens were declined—including those convicted of sexual assault, domestic violence, assault, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Local officials allowing their communities to protect criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement should be ashamed of themselves. They are putting the interests of criminals first and those of the American people last. As the American people learn more about the dangers posed by sanctuary cities, I am hopeful it will put more pressure on rogue local communities to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts.”

Background: The Declined Detainer Outcome Report is a requirement of President Trump’s executive order, “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States.” The report is to be issued on a weekly basis in order to better inform the American people about the public safety threats associated with sanctuary jurisdictions.