06.29.2017

NEW YORK – The Center for Popular Democracy issued a statement on the expected passage of two bills to criminalize immigrants in the House of Representatives today: HR 3004, known as Kate's Law, and HR 3003, the so-called "No Sanctuary for Criminals Act." HR 3004 adds and enhance penalties for re-entry cases and gives prosecutors more power to jail immigrants, while HR 3003 makes it even easier to attack sanctuary cities and turn police officers into immigration agents.

CPD joined more than 400 immigrant, civil rights, faith-based, and labor organizations in a letter to the House this week opposing both bills.

Ana Maria Archila, Co-Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy, issued the following response.

“Knowing President Trump couldn't make good on his threats against immigrants himself, Congress is now trying to make it easier for him to finish the job.

These cynical bills will not just put immigrants at risk - they will do so for every person of color who looks ‘like an immigrant.’ Nominally put forward to advance public safety, they go against the wishes of law enforcement itself, which has come out time and time again to warn the federal government not to turn local police forces into immigration agents. 

Already, Brown and Black communities have launched powerful broadsides against similar legislation in Texas, Wisconsin, and other states. And across the country, our communities are getting stronger and louder. We are working hand in hand with law enforcement departments alarmed by the xenophobia coming out of the White House to resist racism and make policing work for all of our communities.

We know that our diversity is our greatest strength and we will continue to fight for a world that respects all people. Every attack on our communities only emboldens us.”

Contact: 

Asya Pikovsky, apikovsky@populardemocracy.org, 207-522-2442