Ken Buck Co-Sponsors Legislation to Defund Sanctuary Cities

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676

Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) became an original co-sponsor of the No Enforcement, No Grant for Sanctuary Cities Act (H.R. 5617), which is sponsored by Rep. Dan Donovan. This legislation withholds State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Funds (SCAAP) from cities that prevent cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, sending a strong message that there will be consequences for cities choosing to ignore the rule of law. Rep. Buck’s co-sponsorship follows his effort to shine a light on the connection between sanctuary city policies and the heroin epidemic, specifically in Denver. The city has become a hub for heroin trafficking across the Rocky Mountain region, helped in part by illegal immigrant heroin traffickers who can no longer be removed from the streets due to the city’s sanctuary policy.

“Sanctuary cities not only violate the rule of law, they also create safe harbor for illegal immigrants engaged in heroin trafficking,” Congressman Ken Buck stated. “If we want to protect our children and grandchildren and stop this disastrous heroin epidemic, then we need to use every tool at our disposal to end sanctuary city policies.”

SCAAP funds help states and localities offset correctional costs related to incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens, and are offered with the expectation that those governing entities receiving the funds comply with applicable Federal immigration laws. H.R. 5617 would withhold funds directly tied to incarcerating these criminal aliens from cities that have chosen to violate Federal immigration law.

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