Policies creating unsafe, unstable sanctuary city

Millions of folks visit Louisiana each year to experience our unique culture, dynamic traditions and world-class cuisine. The tourism industry alone accounts for a major portion of our state’s economy. When you have that many visitors from around the world visiting our home state, safety needs to be the top priority.

That’s why I have a major problem with the fact that a handful of local leaders keep pushing policies to make New Orleans a “sanctuary city” for illegal aliens. Allowing safe harbor for illegal aliens with no fear of deportation will not keep our families safe or combat increasing crime rates, and yet New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman have introduced regulations that would actually attract more illegal aliens – some of whom could be dangerous criminals.

Mayor Landrieu and Sheriff Gusman’s new policies would bar New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers from sharing the immigration status of individuals with federal authorities, or even from inquiring about such status. This just makes it harder for federal law enforcement officers, such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, to catch illegal aliens. Without a doubt New Orleans is going to see a lot more illegals because they know NOPD officers are prohibited from doing their jobs and enforcing current immigration laws.

Providing incentive for undocumented criminals to flock to the city is a huge mistake. I’ve been leading the fight to shut down sanctuary cities since 2008. There is absolutely no reason for any U.S. city to ignore our nation’s immigration laws and provide safe harbor for illegal aliens, and yet we still have over 200 of these sanctuary cities in the U.S.

I’m fighting to protect our families, our communities, and our way of life, which is why I have asked Mayor Landrieu and Sheriff Gusman to reverse the sanctuary city regulations so that we don’t keep these dangerous and naïve policies in place.

There are too many stories of undocumented violent criminals released from police custody and seeking safe harbor in sanctuary cities. New Orleanians deserve far better leadership, and I’ll keep working to keep our families safe. •