Several cities and counties around the country reviewed their policies after the shooting and decided against any changes. Some, like Santa Clara County, Calif., are considering clarifying the rules to continue protecting most undocumented immigrants, but ensuring that those with violent criminal records are handed over to ICE.
But other jurisdictions want to do more. “As a father of two children, I could only imagine how that felt,” said Mike Kowall, a Republican state senator from White Lake, Mich. “The fact that this fellow was locked up and obviously there were other warrants for him, but he wasn’t turned over to ICE to sort it all out, it was really disturbing.”
Kowall filed a bill that would prohibit any government agency in the state from enacting sanctuary policies. The bill is moving through the Michigan Legislature, and Kowall said he has enough support to get it passed this year.
Texas state Sen. Charles Perry, a Lubbock Republican, says he’s in a similar situation. The Steinle murder took place after the state legislature adjourned, but he said the lieutenant governor placed his bill on the agenda of items to be studied before the next session begins. He said the bill is already facing stiff resistance, but he is confident that Texas and other states will soon crack down on sanctuary cities.
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