Lamar Smith: “First of all, let me thank the gentleman from Virginia and a good friend and the chairman of the Judiciary Committee for…”

“First of all, let me thank the gentleman from Virginia and a good friend and the chairman of the Judiciary Committee for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 3009, the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary City Act. The bill is appropriately named, since sanctuary cities violate current laws that require these jurisdictions to share information with Federal authorities about illegal immigrants who have been arrested. H.R. 3009 helps enforce an immigration bill I introduced several years ago that became law. This legislation withholds certain Federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions that hide the immigration status of illegal immigrants charged with crimes. These reforms serve as a first step in keeping dangerous criminals off our streets and out of our neighborhoods. Sanctuary cities have increased under this administration, which has done nothing to discourage them. During only an 8-month period last year, sanctuary cities released almost 9,000 illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of serious crimes. One-quarter have already been arrested again for committing more crimes, like murder and sexual assault. When does it end? I don't understand how anyone could oppose enforcing immigration laws. The victims are not Democrats or Republicans. The victims are innocent Americans. Many of the crimes committed by illegal immigrants could have been prevented if the Obama administration had enforced immigration laws.…”