In what can only be explained as a shocking display of negligence and moral bankruptcy, Democrats in sanctuary cities have been prioritizing the protection of illegal aliens, especially those that have committed violent crimes, over the safety of their own citizens. Cities like Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and many others, have created safe havens for illegal immigrant violence. These cities continued defiance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities is not merely a political stance; it’s a reckless gamble with the lives of innocent Americans.
Sanctuary cities, established under the guise of misguided compassion, have become havens for criminal activity. According to federal data, there are hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens in the United States with lengthy criminal records, many of whom are charged with serious offenses, including sexual assault, robbery, and homicide.
The statistics are staggering and should send shivers down the spines of every peace-loving American citizen. It’s important to remember, every one of the crimes committed by illegal aliens were preventable. Yet, the leaders of sanctuary cities turn a blind eye to the risks, claiming that cooperation with federal authorities would undermine community trust.
The hypocrisy is astounding. For instance, look at Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, cities where elected officials financially support illegal aliens while simultaneously ignoring the massive rise in violent crime. In many cases, falsifying crime data to skew public perception and mislead the American people. These progressive leaders betray the very people they have sworn to protect. This twisted and deadly narrative sacrifices the well-being of constituents on the altar of progressive ideology.
But let’s dig deeper into the city of Chicago, a Democrat sanctuary city stronghold. In 2021, the city saw a significant increase in shootings and homicides, while officials remained obstinately defiant with ICE requests to detain illegal aliens charged with violent crimes. Since then, the city has seen a dramatic, year-over-year increase in gun crimes and gang violence. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s response to the gun violence was to dismantle “Shot Spotter,” a technology which allows law-enforcement the ability to locate and respond to shooting locations within seconds. Mayor Johnson called the technology “racist,” as the body count continues to rise in the windy city.
Acknowledging and discussing the impacts of such policies is essential. San Francisco’s sanctuary law exemplifies this alarming trend, having become infamous for its progressive approach to illegal immigrants. A significant case involved none other than an illegal alien, released from jail despite having a federal detainer and numerous arrests for violent offenses. Jose Inez Garcia-Zarate went on to murder a young woman in broad daylight. Kate Steinle’s murder sparked outrage, yet city officials brushed it off as an isolated incident rather than recognizing it as a symptom of its systemic failure to protect and serve.
The argument made by many Democrats is that these individuals are simply seeking a better life, all the while dismissing the fact they broke the law when they came here illegally and refuse to obey America’s laws. It’s a bizarre argument that permits dangerous people to roam free while honest hard working American citizens live under constant threat in their own communities.
Moreover, the claims that enforcing federal immigration laws sews distrust in communities have been proven false. Numerous studies show that communities with a cooperative relationship between local law enforcement and federal agencies experience lower crime rates; Washington D.C. being the latest example of a successful partnership. Despite the glaring results in a relatively short time frame, Democrat governors and mayors continue to double down on the mere thought of federal intervention.
At some point, we must ask the question, what are the Democrats clinging to? It’s time for voters to wake up and recognize the truth behind sanctuary policies and the carnage in its wake. Holding elected leaders accountable for their policy decisions is crucial to the overall well-being of our communities. Sanctuary city leaders must stop placing politics over protection. The shielding of those that perpetuate violence must come to an end, and the rule of law must matter.
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
