Republicans on a state Senate committee have approved a bill that would require sheriffs to work more closely with federal immigration authorities. Senate Bill 426, also known as the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, would increase penalties for serious felonies involving violence committed by individuals in the country illegally. The bill would also require state corrections officials and county sheriffs to apply to participate in the federal Warrant Service Officer Program, allowing for easier handover of unauthorized immigrants to ICE.
Despite public testimony against the bill, Republican lawmakers argued that it was necessary for public safety. Critics of the bill raised concerns about its constitutionality and effectiveness in deterring undocumented migrants from entering Arkansas. The bill also prohibits cities, counties, and local governments from adopting sanctuary policies, even though Arkansas already prohibits sanctuary cities.
Supporters of the bill, including Sen. Bart Hester and Rep. Fran Cavenaugh, view it as a common-sense measure to keep the state safe. However, opponents such as attorney Jeff Rosenzweig and Sarah Everett from the ACLU argue that the bill would not improve public safety and could potentially be unconstitutional.
SB426 is now headed to the full Senate for consideration, with the support of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. If passed, the bill would impose harsher penalties on individuals committing serious felonies involving violence while in the country illegally. Critics and supporters continue to debate the impact and necessity of the proposed legislation.
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