‘Mayor Libby Schaaf’ Act Would Imprison Sanctuary Officials Who Warn Illegal Immigrants About ICE Sweeps

Kerry Lear

7 years ago

A new bill dubbed the Mayor Libby Schaaf Act could imprison sanctuary city leaders up to 5 years if they tip off illegal immigrants to an impending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Sweep.

The bill was introduced by Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa and would” target state and local officials in Sanctuary Cities who act to obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts to enforce federal immigration laws.”

King named the bill after an Oakland mayor, who warned the California Bay Area of an upcoming sweep earlier this year, helping hundreds of illegal aliens from being deported.

“In February, Schaaf said she had learned from “credible sources” that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were planning a sweep for undocumented immigrants in the Bay Area. She said her goal in disclosing the operation was to give immigrant families information about their legal rights and resources,” writes the SF Chronicle. “The subsequent four-day sweep across Northern California resulted in 232 arrests. ICE Chief Thomas Homan initially suggested that 800 undocumented immigrants were able to evade detention because of Schaaf’s alert, leading to the resignation of the department’s San Francisco spokesman, who said that information was incorrect and misleading.”

King’s bill would imprison any state or local officials for up to five years for obstructing the ICE laws.

“Sanctuary politicians are placing the lives of citizens and law enforcement officers in jeopardy by giving illegal aliens warnings about impending ICE actions in local jurisdictions,” said King. “I want lawless, sanctuary city politicians to hear this message clearly: If you obstruct ICE, you are going to end up in the cooler.”

Last week, President Donald Trump called for Schaaf to be prosecuted and said that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should investigate her actions.

In response to the bill, Schaaf said her actions were in defense of sanctuary policies and that she won’t be intimidated by “bullies” in Washington.

“I know a lot more about what makes my community safe than a Congress member from Iowa,” said Schaaf on CNN.“I’m not going to let the bullies in Washington, DC, deter me from doing what I know is right for my community. In Oakland, we’re very clear about what our values are. We value our immigrant communities. We value diversity. And we will not allow anyone to intimidate us. We will not apologize for those values.”

She also defended the legality of sanctuary policies.

“Sanctuary city policies are legal policies,” said Schaaf. “Part of the beauty of American democracy is that there is a balance between local, state and federal power. I know a lot more about what makes my community safe than a congressman from Iowa.”

But King argues that the bill would “remove all doubt” on whether the current law allows state or city officials to give warnings about ICE sweeps.

Author’s note: if this bill actually passes, it will deter sanctuary officials from obstructing the job of the ICE.

Editor’s note: The recent rebellion against Trump and federal law is dangerous for America. Sanctuary cities are blatant partisan acts designed to further the agenda of the Democratic Party. It would take only one conviction under this law to straighten out most cities.