For Immediate Release
July 30, 2015
Contact: Darby Hickey
(202) 724-8105
Grosso, Norton and Human Rights Groups Denounce Anti-Immigrant Proposals in Congress Aimed at D.C. and Other Localities
Washington, D.C.—Today, D.C. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) joins Rep.Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and community groups to denounce new anti-immigrant proposals in Congress. Bills in the House and Senate seek to mandate that so-called “Sanctuary Cities” must proactively enforce federal immigration laws. One bill, the Safer D.C. Act of 2015 introduced by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), would specifically target the District of Columbia, seeking to overturn local laws and policies that prevent racial profiling, ensure equal protection, and build trust between local immigrants and the government.
“Unfortunately, this is only the latest in a long history of Congressional meddling in local D.C. affairs,” said Grosso. “It is shameful that anti-immigrant politicians are exploiting a tragedy in San Francisco to push their agenda. The House and Senate need to focus on passing comprehensive immigration reform, and leave jurisdictions like D.C. to make their own decisions regarding local law enforcement.”
A D.C. mayoral order prohibits police from inquiring about immigration status during interactions with community members, and D.C. law limits the conditions under which inmates may be transferred to immigration detention. The Safer D.C. Act, the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, and other Congressional proposals seek to force localities to participate in immigration law enforcement by cutting their share of Department of Justice funding.
“In D.C., we stand for human rights--for immigrants, for women, for LGBT folks, for everyone,” said Grosso. “We are proud of our 20 year tradition of inclusion of our immigrant residents. Our policies save tax dollars, keep families together, uphold basic principles of fairness, and build public trust between local government and the immigrant community.”
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