Graham criticizes Democrats after sanctuary cities bill blocked in Senate
FILE – Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Sept. 13, 2022, in Washington. The Georgia prosecutor investigating possible illegal election interference in the 2020 election said Thursday, Oct. 27, that the Supreme Court should not stand in the way of Graham’s testimony to a grand jury. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)
(WCIV) — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Thursday urged the Senate to pass his proposal to eliminate sanctuary cities and states, arguing the policies fuel illegal immigration and undermine federal enforcement officers.
Graham’s bill was blocked by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Cal), who rejected the premise that sanctuary jurisdictions pose a national problem.
Graham has steadily maintained that sanctuary policies are a key driver of unauthorized migration and contribute to conflicts with U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His legislation would impose criminal penalties on state and local officials who refuse to turn over immigrants charged with or convicted of crimes to federal authorities.
“Until you change the policies, you never stop illegal immigration,” Graham said on the Senate floor. He argues thatsanctuary areas act as “magnets” and “break down” law and order.
Graham also defended his proposal to prosecute officials who intentionally disobey federal orders and act to protect illegal aliens residing in sanctuary cities.
“If a state or local official does not turn over to the federal government an illegal immigrant who’s been convicted or facing criminal charges, then that state or local official can go to jail, said Graham.”
During his remarks, Graham blamed Democrats for what he described as years of inaction on border enforcement under President Joe Biden. He referenced the killing of Laken Riley and other crimes committed by migrants as examples of what he called the consequences of current policy.
“Every Democratic senator turned the other way during the four years of Biden,” Graham said. “How many of you spoke about Laken Riley? You never talk about the victims.”
Graham vowed to continue pressing for a vote on his bill, saying he wants a public debate on whether sanctuary policies help or harm the country.
“I’m going to stay on this till I can’t stay on it anymore,” he said. “Those engaging in sanctuary city practices — you’re hurting the other 38 states, you’re creating chaos for your country and you should be held accountable.”
