Sioux City Times

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra has joined a letter led by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales to President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas, expressing serious concerns about sanctuary cities protecting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes from federal law enforcement. Feenstra emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Sanctuary cities directly contradict the rule of law in our country and encourage illegal immigration.” He highlighted the dangers posed by these policies, stating, “These reckless policies threaten the safety of our kids, our families, and our communities.”

The lawmakers expressed their concerns about sanctuary cities releasing criminal noncitizens from custody despite federal law enforcement detainers. They highlighted specific cases where violent offenders were released into American communities, posing a direct threat to public safety. The letter called for aggressive action to end the abuse of the nation’s border laws and to prevent sanctuary cities from providing safe harbor to violent criminals who have entered the country illegally.

One of the incidents mentioned in the letter involved an MS-13 gang member who was released from custody by the Montgomery County Detention Center despite a detainer being issued against him. It took months for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to finally arrest him. Another tragic case mentioned was the murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student, by an illegal alien from Venezuela who had been released by local authorities in New York City despite a detainer being issued against him.

The lawmakers urged President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to address these issues promptly and to ensure that sanctuary cities are held accountable for disregarding federal law enforcement orders. They emphasized the importance of protecting communities from the risks posed by criminal illegal immigrants being released back onto the streets.

The full letter can be accessed for further details and information.