Rep. Messer Votes to Crack Down on Illegal Immigration

  Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) voted in support of two major pieces of legislation today to crack down on illegal immigration, restore rule of law and protect public safety.

Messer spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act and Kate’s Law, which both passed the House today.

“Most Americans get it. Frankly, it’s just common sense. We can’t continue to reward folks who come to our country illegally, while those who work hard and play by the rules struggle to get ahead,” Messer said in his remarks. “It’s way past time to fix our broken immigration policies in America. Today, the House is considering two commonsense reforms to combat illegal immigration, restore rule of law, and protect public safety.

The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003) strengthens current law to combat dangerous sanctuary city policies that shield unlawful and criminal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. The bill clarifies the authority of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and withholds certain federal grants from jurisdictions that violate federal law by prohibiting their officers from communicating with ICE.

Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004) increases penalties for deported felons who continue to break the law by re-entering the country. The law was named after 32-year-old Kate Steinle, who was tragically gunned down by a 5-time, deported felon nearly two years ago.

Both bills must now be considered by the U.S. Senate and the President to become law.

A video of Messer’s remarks is available here and full text of his remarks is below: 

“Most Americans get it. Frankly, it’s just common sense. We can’t continue to reward folks who come to our country illegally, while those who work hard and play by the rules struggle to get ahead.

It’s way past time to fix our broken immigration policies in America. Today, the House is considering two commonsense reforms to combat illegal immigration, restore rule of law, and protect public safety. 

The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act defunds sanctuary cities. Kate’s Law increases penalties for deported felons who return to America and commit further crimes. Kate’s Law was named after a young woman who was tragically gunned down by a 5-time, deported felon nearly two years ago to this day.

It’s outrageous. The federal government’s first duty is to protect its citizens. I urge my colleagues to support these much-needed reforms, and then do more to stop illegal immigration in the United States.”