mcall.com
by John M. Morganelli, District Attorney of Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

'In 1996, Congress passed a law forbidding the passing of local sanctuary ordinances which prevent law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration authorities...''

First, let us get our terminology straight. A ''sanctuary city'' is a city that prohibits its police, by ordinance, from reporting illegal aliens to federal authorities. Cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Austin, San Diego and Houston are a few examples of cities which prevent police officers from inquiring as to immigration violations of suspected illegal aliens. These policies offer illegal aliens a safe haven. In 1996, Congress passed a law forbidding the passing of local sanctuary ordinances which prevent law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in enforcing immigration law. The courts have upheld this law forcing some of these municipalities to abandon their policies and permit police to do their job. Yet, some cities still draft sanctuary city laws.

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