Key Law Enforcement Groups Support the SAFE Act
Washington, D.C. – The National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council, the Western States Sheriff’s Association, and the National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers recently issued letters of support for the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act(H.R. 2278), also known as the SAFE Act. This bill, introduced by Immigration and Border Security Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) and approved by the House Judiciary Committee on June 18, 2013, strengthens the interior enforcement of our immigration laws by granting states and localities the authority to enforce federal immigration laws. The bill also bolsters national security by increasing border security, making it more difficult for foreign nationals who pose a national security risk to enter and remain in the U.S., improving visa security in high risk countries, and protecting American communities from dangerous criminal aliens.
Below are excerpts from the letters.
National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council: “Our initial reaction to the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act or ‘SAFE Act’ is one of great appreciation and support…While S.744 claims to be a ‘comprehensive reform’ it does nothing to reform arguably our nation’s most critical component in need of the most reforms—interior enforcement and the agency tasked with that mission. The SAFE Act, however, takes aggressive steps to fix these problems…It has been our opinion from the beginning that the approach taken in the SAFE Act is the approach needed if as a nation we are serious about fixing our broken immigration system.” To read the full letter, click here.
Western States Sheriff’s Association: “The Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act is the best plan I have seen presented to protect America. The bill, if approved, will give law enforcement agencies across the United States clear direction so immigration enforcement can be consistent throughout all communities…Real border security must begin with effective interior enforcement in every jurisdiction in all fifty states.” To read the full letter, click here.
National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers: “The National Association of Former Border Patrol Officers applauds your undertaking of the monumental task of addressing national security and public safety through immigration law enforcement…We are pleased to see the initial product of your endeavors in the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act. From our view, this is the proper starting point in resolving our nation’s urgent immigration realities.” To read the full letter, click here.