ACLU of Montana Statement on Anti-Immigrant Legislation (HB 146 and HB 147)

"The proposals to prohibit localities from establishing laws creating sanctuary cities are an answer in search of a nonexistent problem.  They are a scare tactic implying that there will be no immigration enforcement in jurisdictions that divert scarce local resources into federal immigration enforcement.  They are an extension of President Trump’s push for draconian anti-immigrant policies and practices. Here’s the truth: When local law enforcement are forced to act as federal immigration agents, their entire communities become less safe. In fact, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Presidential Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and law enforcement leaders from across the country have all adopted positions opposing local entanglement with immigration enforcement on the ground that it harms public safety. The ACLU of Montana is opposed to HB 146 and HB 147."SK Rossi, Advocacy and Policy Director for the ACLU of Montana