On the same day the U.S. House of Representatives voted 241-179 for H.R. 3009, the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, Tucson City Councilwoman Regina Romero denied that Tucson is a sanctuary city. The surprising claim by Romero sent a wave of relief in residents of one of the most dangerous cities in Arizona.
The bill would withhold federal law enforcement grants from localities that refuse to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers. As it stands, it is a mystery how the City of Tucson and Pima County hold onto the too few law enforcement officers they have due to low wages – a cut in funds would be devastating.
Despite the fact that as early as 2007, Tucson was listed as a sanctuary city, Romero clarified the status Thursday on an obscure radio show, and it was later reported on an obscure blog. She stated that Tucson is merely an “immigrant welcoming city.”
According to (Ohio Jobs & Justice PAC) OJJPAC: Sanctuary Cities, USA, Tucson was added to the sanctuary city list in 2007, “because the Tucson police have instituted a new policy which prevents their officers from calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement to schools and churches.”
It is yet to be seen if Romero’s distinction will be seen as a difference under the law.
Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon issued a statement after voting in favor of the bill he introduced with Rep. Duncan Hunter. “I cosponsored this legislation and I will continue to fight for Americans that desperately want our immigration laws are properly enforced at every level of government,” stated Salmon. “We hear about ‘vulnerable cities,’ but how about vulnerable Americans? We hear about ‘sanctuary’ for thugs like Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, but shouldn’t our cities be a sanctuary for law-abiding citizens like Grant Ronnebeck and Kate Steinle?”
“All of our governments must perform their most basic duty—to keep those consenting to their constitution safe. ‘Sanctuary cities’ deliberately violate this duty by playing political games with the lives of law-abiding Americans to harbor those who willfully violate our laws. Make no mistake; this is a very important bill. It’s also only a first step,” said Salmon. He argued that other reforms, such as those found in Grant’s Law and Kate’s Law are desperately needed.”
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