GOP lawmaker says she will criminally refer four Democratic mayors to DOJ - The Hill

In a recent House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing, GOP lawmaker Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla) stood firm in her stance against sanctuary city policies. Luna made waves by stating her intention to criminally refer four Democratic mayors to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The mayors, who preside over cities with sanctuary policies, have drawn the ire of Luna and other Republicans for what they perceive as a disregard for federal immigration laws.

Sanctuary cities are municipalities that have adopted policies to limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. They have long been a point of contention in the ongoing national debate over immigration. Luna's proposed action marks a significant escalation in the GOP's fight against these policies, signaling a potential turning point in the debate.

Sanctuary city policies are a point of significant contention in the ongoing dialogue about immigration in the United States. These policies, adopted by certain cities across the country, limit the cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The intention behind these policies is to foster trust between immigrant communities and local authorities. Supporters argue that without such policies, undocumented immigrants may be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police investigations out of fear of deportation.

However, critics, including Rep. Luna, argue that these policies obstruct federal law enforcement and potentially allow criminals to evade justice. Luna's announcement before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee to criminally refer four Democratic mayors to the DOJ is a significant escalation of this ongoing dispute. Luna alleges that by upholding sanctuary city policies, these mayors are actively undermining federal immigration laws.

The four Democratic mayors targeted by Luna's announcement have yet to comment on the matter. However, the move is likely to reignite debates over the legality and morality of sanctuary city policies. It raises questions about the boundaries of federal and local authority in matters of immigration, and how these boundaries should be navigated to ensure both community safety and respect for immigrant rights.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's accusations were met with mixed reactions. Among her Republican colleagues, some praised her stance as a bold move to enforce federal law, while others considered it a political maneuver intended to gain favor. However, many Democratic lawmakers and the mayors themselves expressed outrage and disbelief, arguing that Luna's threat of criminal charges was a clear overreach of her authority and a violation of the cities' rights.

In response to Luna's accusations, one of the targeted mayors, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "This is a blatant attempt to criminalize our efforts to protect our residents. Our city's sanctuary policy is built on a strong legal foundation and is in line with our values as a community. We will not be intimated by such baseless threats."

The mayors collectively argued that their sanctuary policies are not in violation of federal law, but rather, they reflect their communities' values and commitment to protecting all residents, irrespective of their immigration status. They cited numerous court rulings that have upheld the legality of such policies, countering Luna's accusations of criminal conduct.

They further highlighted that the threats of criminal referral were not only unfounded but also an attempt to shift the focus away from the real issues at hand – comprehensive immigration reform and creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.

In response to Luna's statements, some legal experts have offered their perspectives on the matter. According to Professor Greg Schaffer of the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, the legality of sanctuary city policies is not clear-cut. "The term 'sanctuary city' is often misunderstood. It's not about harboring criminals or obstructing justice. It's about local governments choosing how they use their resources and deciding that immigration enforcement should not be their priority," said Schaffer.

He further noted that, "While the federal government can enforce immigration laws, it cannot compel local governments to do so. That would violate the principle of federalism. Therefore, referring mayors to the DOJ for upholding sanctuary city policies might not lead to criminal charges."

However, others believe that sanctuary policies can potentially obstruct federal law enforcement efforts. According to former federal prosecutor, Michael Volkov, "If a city's policies explicitly prohibit cooperation with federal immigration authorities in a way that interferes with their duties, it could be viewed as obstruction of justice."

Both sides of the argument highlight the complex interplay between federal and local laws when it comes to immigration policies. It remains to be seen how the DOJ will respond to the referrals, if they are indeed made.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's decision to criminally refer four Democratic mayors to the DOJ marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions around sanctuary city policies. These policies, which are designed to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation, have been at the heart of a contentious debate within the United States, with Republicans and Democrats often finding themselves on opposing sides.

The mayors, all Democrats, have maintained their commitment to these policies, arguing that they have a moral and legal responsibility to safeguard the rights of all their residents, regardless of immigration status. Luna's move, however, underscores the deep divide between the two parties over this issue, and the potential for legal repercussions for those who uphold sanctuary city policies.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the DOJ will respond to Luna's criminal referrals, and what impact this will have on the broader debate over sanctuary city policies. Regardless of the outcome, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the deep political divides in the United States, and the high stakes involved in the ongoing debate over immigration policy.

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5178359-luna-criminal-referral-sanctuary-cities/