Michigan Republicans are pushing for a ban on sanctuary cities in the state following the tragic murder of a 25-year-old woman in Grand Rapids last week. The suspect in question is reported to have entered the country illegally.
House Republican Leader, Matt Hall, from Richland Township, has urged the Biden administration to take immediate action in securing the southern border.
According to a statement by Hall, Joe Biden’s inability to secure the border has resulted in numerous undocumented individuals, including dangerous criminals, entering the country illegally. This surge in illegal immigration has had deadly consequences in Michigan. Hall believes that if the border had been properly secured, individuals like Ruby Garcia’s murderer would have been kept out of the state and the nation. However, Democrats have failed to fully enforce immigration laws and prioritize national security.
Before being deported, Ortiz-Vite had faced several arrests in Kent County. He had a conviction for unlawfully entering a residence and was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant in Grand Rapids for a suspected drunk driving and driving without a valid license incident in 2020.
In a letter addressed to Chair Tullio Liberati of the House Government Operations Committee, Representative Hall, a Democrat from Allen Park, expressed his strong recommendation to discuss his proposal for the prohibition of sanctuary cities and counties. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent local employees from implementing policies that hinder communication and collaboration with federal immigration officials.
It has been nine months since Hall and House Republicans introduced the bills.
According to Hall, Michigan communities with rogue politicians are putting public safety at a higher risk by refusing to cooperate with federal officers in apprehending individuals who are in the country illegally. He emphasizes that these sanctuary cities and counties are providing a safe haven for criminals, like the one responsible for Ruby’s death, where they can hide from deportation even if they are arrested for other crimes. Hall believes that these disastrous sanctuary policies hinder the efforts of federal immigration officials and worsen the public safety crisis. To ensure the protection of Michigan residents, he calls for a ban on sanctuary cities.
Grand Rapids, a welcoming city, has implemented policies that ensure a clear distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement agencies. Furthermore, Kent County has taken the initiative to become a sanctuary county.
Representative Hall took the lead in sponsoring House Bill 4880, which aims to prohibit sanctuary policies in counties. Additionally, he played a supporting role by co-sponsoring HB 4879, a bill that seeks to achieve the same objective for cities, villages, and townships.
Republican Representative Cam Cavitt, from Cheboygan, took the lead in sponsoring HB 4879. He also joined Hall in signing the letter that requested a committee hearing.