Bill Would Punish Sanctuary City Officials For Protecting Illegals

Indiana Republican Rep. Todd Rokita has introduced a bill to punish elected officials in sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal officials in enforcing U.S. immigration laws.

Rokita told Fox News that the bill will levy up to $1 million fines and up to five year imprisonment against such authorities.

The Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians Act was prompted by last week’s acquittal of Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, an illegal immigrant who was charged with the shooting death of Kate Steinle. San Francisco prevented federal authorities from deporting Zarate — even though he had been deported on five previous occasions.

Rokita told Fox News that his bill exceeds the financial penalties promised by the Department of Justice when it says it will cease funding sanctuary cities.

“Politicians don’t get to pick and choose what laws to comply with,” Rokita told Fox News. “Americans are dying because politicians sworn to uphold the law refuse to do so.”

Rokita’s bill would insist that state and municipal authorities obey instructions from Immigration Customs Enforcement agents to hand over illegal immigrants for deportation.

“It’s time the federal government gets serious about enforcing immigration laws and holding politicians accountable who conspire to break them,” said Rokita.

Rokita is also promoting “Kate’s Law” — legislation named after Kate Steinle that aims to increase punishment for illegals who are deported multiple times.

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