Story by Ava Chuppe
Contributing writer
On July 12, Gov. Matt Bevin collaborated with state legislators, the Lexington Fraternal Order of Police and Homeland Security officials to propose legislation intended to help local law enforcement better combat illegal immigration.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll and Rep. John Blanton, would ban local governments in Kentucky from enacting sanctuary policies that allow local law enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants from prosecution by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Recently, some Kentucky communities have enacted sanctuary city policies, much like those of local governments in liberal states such as California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Gov. Bevin said he discouraged such policies.
“Irresponsible and legally questionable sanctuary policies handcuff our law enforcement personnel and pose a significant risk to public safety,” he said. “Communication and collaboration among federal, state and local police is essential. We must never allow petty politics to jeopardize the safety of our law enforcement personnel or the tools they need to serve and protect our communities.”
If passed, the new legislation would further clarify a state law defining a sanctuary city, prohibit sanctuary policies in Kentucky while encouraging local and federal law cooperation and grant the Commonwealth the authority to enforce the new requirements.
At least ten other states have enacted similar laws, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. An additional 21 states, including Kentucky, have proposed legislation to ban sanctuary policies.
To access the draft bill for the new legislation, click here.
