Mark Caserta: Free State Patriot editor
Nov 3, 2017
Opening statements began last week in the case of Katie Steinle, 32, who was killed as she strolled along the San Francisco waterfront with her father. Steinle was fatally shot by a homeless illegal immigrant who had returned to the U.S. multiple times illegally.
Per multiple news sources, including Fox News, Steinle’s father delivered an emotional testimony, sharing Katie’s ardent plea, “Help me, dad,” as her last words.
Two days after Steinle was killed, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump unleashed a scathing statement on the shooting.
“This senseless and totally preventable act of violence committed by an illegal immigrant is yet another example of why we must secure our border immediately,” he said. “This is an absolutely disgraceful situation, and I am the only one that can fix it. Nobody else has the guts to even talk about it. This won’t happen if I become president.”
Trump was, no doubt, referencing the role of “so-called” sanctuary cities, ignoring federal immigration law and providing aid and protection for illegals entering our country.
San Francisco, for example, passed an ordinance in 1989 prohibiting city employees, funds or resources from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing federal immigration law. If an illegal was identified through contact such as an arrest, ICE was not to be notified, protecting them from possible deportation.
Since becoming president, Trump has been delivering on his promise to the American people by helping enforce current immigration law. National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd reports a “miraculous” drop in illegal immigration under the Trump administration, per Fox Business.
Within a week following being sworn into office, President Trump ignited a firestorm when he signed an executive order designed to crack down on sanctuary cities and “jurisdictions” that harbor illegal immigrants by stripping them of federal grant money. The order, by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, directs the Office of Management and Budget to compile federal grant money going to the sanctuary districts.
Aside from cities, at least five states, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont, have “enacted laws that limit how much police can contribute assistance to federal immigration agents,” according to the New York Times. The Times also noted it’s difficult to determine just how many cities offer sanctuary for illegals, since some do not have an official ordinance or policy in place.
“Unfortunately, over the last several decades, respect for the rule of law has broken down and immigration enforcement has been sacrificed for the sake of political expediency,” said Attorney Jeff Sessions in a statement released by the White House this month.
There is no “up side” for protecting illegal immigrants in our country, beyond the Democrats’ political ambition for creating a dependable voter base. And frankly, they’re willing to do so at the expense of our nation’s sovereignty and our citizens’ safety.
Any sanctuary states, cities and/or jurisdictions found guilty of breaking federal law should be held accountable, financially, and the leaders responsible should face criminal charges. Anything less compromises the rule of law.
Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.
Free State Patriot 