Congressman Garamendi Votes Against Misguided Bill that would Defund Law Enforcement

Congressman Garamendi Votes Against Misguided Bill that would Defund Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) issued the following statement in response to the passage of H.R.3009, the so-called “Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act”:

“The recent tragedy in San Francisco underscores the need for local law enforcement and immigration enforcement to work together to make sure dangerous criminals don’t fall through the cracks. Unfortunately, this bill is not a solution. This bill would defund local law enforcement and risks damaging existing relationships between law enforcement and the immigrant communities they serve. The Fraternal Order of Police, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women, the US Conference of Mayors, the US National League of Cities, the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, and 390 nationwide religious leaders have all expressed severe concerns about the mechanisms of this bill. This bill would undermine public safety rather than strengthen it, and I voted no.”

H.R.3009 passed the House by a vote of 241-179.