Norton Says Republican Bill Targeting Sanctuary Cities Insults Immigrant Communities and Undermines Local Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a leader in the fight against an anti-immigrant bill precipitously put on the House floor today, said that House Republicans have gone on record aligning themselves with the far-right-Trump wing of their party. Norton cosigned a letter yesterday with Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Judy Chu (D-CA) urging Members to oppose the bill. The bill passed with nearly unanimous opposition from Democrats.

The bill, passed today, withholds funds from localities, such as the District of Columbia, Los Angeles, New York City, and others, that do not automatically turn over undocumented immigrants to federal authorities. The D.C. approach not only respects the preferences of D.C. residents, but also encourages cooperation of all residents, particularly documented and undocumented immigrants, whose trust in the police is necessary to protect them and others, prevent criminal acts, and get information on suspected criminals. For this reason, the District does not inquire about immigration status or automatically turn individuals over to federal authorities unless there is a "nexus to a criminal investigation." However, the District also specifies that no D.C. public safety officer or employee is barred from "cooperating with federal immigration authorities when required by law."

"Localities across the country, including the District of Columbia, have law-abiding, documented and undocumented immigrant populations that contribute to their communities," Norton said. "This bill passed today by House Republicans accedes to the inflammatory views expressed by Donald Trump and others in their party, who label immigrants as criminals. D.C. turns over dangerous undocumented immigrants, which is in keeping with the Administration's policy of prioritizing deportation of the worst offenders—national security threats, convicted criminals, gang members, and others who violate U.S. law. Our Latino residents have been hammered in recent days by unfounded accusations. It is outrageous for the House to put its imprimatur on these baseless accusations of criminality in violation of local law here and throughout the United States."