Sam Graves on the real consequences of sanctuary cities

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

Illegal immigration is just that – illegal. One of the things that frustrates me most about Washington D.C. is that people here seem to forget that.

Earlier this month, Kate Steinle was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant in San Francisco. Her accused murderer, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, was able to live in San Francisco because it is a Sanctuary City that protects illegal immigrants from deportation.

This horrible crime highlights the real consequences of Sanctuary Cities. Even though Lopez-Sanchez had seven felony convictions and had been deported multiple times, he was still released by the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office.

Unfortunately, more than 200 state and local jurisdictions across the country have similar policies. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act. This bill will withhold critical funding sources for any city that circumvents federal law to protect illegal immigrants.

There is nothing ambiguous about illegal immigration. It’s time that those harboring illegal immigrants recognize that as well.