Commonwealth Policy Center

Nine states have laws that protect illegal immigrants from federal authorities and are considered sanctuary states. Kentucky Republicans aren’t about to let that happen to the Commonwealth. State Sen. Danny Carroll and Rep. John Blanton—both Republicans, recently introduced legislation that would stop local governments from keeping federal authorities from apprehending illegal immigrants. The law specifically prevents the local authorities from thwarting police from cooperating with ICE— Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gov. Matt Bevin supports the bill. Immigration has been a hot issue—one that sharply divides the political parties. Some on the left believe cities should set their own citizenship policy. However, the Constitution makes this the job of the federal government. And when cities reject this, they threaten the rule of law and our national security. And that’s what Republicans in Kentucky’s state legislature hope to avoid.