Former Gov. Jan Brewer says politicians who support sanctuary cities should be jailed
Mar 30, 2017, 4:53 AM | Updated: 2:19 pm
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
PHOENIX — Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said politicians who support sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants, particularly those who commit crimes, should be jailed.
“What are they thinking? They ought to be in jail, really,” Brewer told Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” this week.
“They’re harboring and protecting criminals. It’s unbelievable that they would get away with this.”
Though there is no agreed upon definition of a sanctuary city, the general consensus defines them as a city that will, in some way, protect illegal immigrants.
In some cases, these cities tell police not to inquire about the immigration status of those they encounter, or they decline requests from immigration officials to keep defendants in custody while they await deportation.
Others say they do cooperate with such “detainer” requests as long as they’re backed by court-issued warrants, but won’t allow local officers to enforce federal immigration law.
Brewer said her biggest concern is with cities who allow illegal immigrants with criminal records to walk free.
“People want to feel safe. They’re making our cities and our states dangerous (by) releasing these criminals, these murderers, rapists, child abusers back out into our streets,” she said, later adding that not all illegal immigrants commit crimes.
She also said it is “absolutely wrong” that politicians would choose the safety of the community over their political agenda.
“It makes absolutely no sense,” she said. “I don’t even think it makes sense to them other than that they want to poke people in the eyes.”
Earlier this year, the Phoenix City Council voted against becoming a sanctuary city in a 7-2 vote.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
