Georgia's legislature has passed a bill that will allow law enforcement to identify and detain individuals suspected of being in the US illegally. The bill is set to go to the Georgia Senate for further consideration. This move comes amidst a shifting landscape in sanctuary city policies across the country.
New York City's Mayor has expressed a desire to revisit the city's sanctuary status. He believes that illegal immigrants and migrants suspected or convicted of committing crimes should be reported to ICE for deportation. This potential shift in policy reflects a broader debate within the Democratic Party.
New York City has a long history of sanctuary city status, dating back to the late 1980s. The policy was initially implemented to protect undocumented individuals who were victims of crimes, allowing them to report incidents to law enforcement without fear of deportation.
However, recent events have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the sanctuary city policy. Some officials argue that violent criminals are taking advantage of the policy, posing a threat to public safety. The mayor's call for a reevaluation of the sanctuary status has sparked a contentious debate within the city council.
The mayor's stance has drawn both support and opposition within his own party. While some council members are in favor of maintaining the sanctuary city status, others believe that a change is necessary to address the current challenges facing the city.
The debate over sanctuary city policies is not unique to New York City. Similar discussions are taking place in other jurisdictions across the country, reflecting a broader national conversation about immigration enforcement and public safety.