(The Center Square) – Several jurisdictions in Michigan that consider themselves sanctuary cities are closer to losing state taxpayer funds.
While no city or county in the state is officially declared a sanctuary city, policies that stop officials from cooperating with federal officials could be illegal based on a package of bills that recently passed the Michigan House and await action in the Senate.
Lansing, along with Leelanau, Muskegon, Oakland, Kalamazoo, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, are not officially designated as sanctuary cities by the state, they do operate as sanctuary areas, according to the Center for Immigration Studies.
Operating as a sanctuary city means restrictions are often in place for law enforcement to inquire about someone’s immigration status unless directly related to a crime.
Rep. Joseph Pavlov’s, R-Smith Creek, County Law Enforcement Protection Act would stop any counties in the state from passing or enforcing a law or policy that stops local police from cooperating with federal immigration officials.
“Respect for the Constitution and respect for the rule of law demand that we put an end to sanctuary cities in our state,” Pavlov said. “Local governments in Michigan not only openly defy our constitutional order by harboring illegal immigrants, they also invite dangerous criminals into our communities. We cannot tolerate this willful criminality.”
The act is part of a series of bills that would end state revenue sharing with sanctuary cities, stop benefits like Medicaid and rental assistance to foreign nationals and ban sanctuary cities in townships, villages and cities.
In Michigan, people illegally in the country are already ineligible for state taxpayer-funded benefits like Medicaid, food assistance and housing programs.
However, refugees and those seeking asylum can receive rental help.
Pavlov thinks his bills are a national security issue.
“Cooperation between the state and federal government is a responsibility shared by every state that wishes to be a part of the United States of America,” Pavlov said in a speech on the House floor in support of the bill package. “The federal government is required by the Constitution to ensure national security. Their efforts for national security include efforts inside of Michigan. Thus, our local governments should not prohibit the federal government from providing the services that our Constitution demands for American citizens.”
