State Rep. Andrew Fink has re-introduced a plan he sponsored last term to ban sanctuary cities in Michigan.

“Incidents like we saw outside Traverse City will only grow in frequency the longer we allow Michigan cities to publicly advertise their clear violation of federal law,” said Fink, R-Adams Township. “The law is the law; cities should not be able to dictate whether or not they want to obey it.”

House Bill 5615 would prohibit local municipalities from preventing law enforcement cooperation with federal officials concerning illegal immigrants. Fink introduced the same plan last term, but a committee hearing was never scheduled.

East Lansing, Lansing, Ingham County, Kalamazoo County, Kent County, and Wayne County have all declared themselves sanctuary cities or counties in Michigan.

“Every time a city publicly announces it will disregard federal law, human traffickers at the southern border get a little bit richer,” Fink said. “Cartels continue to profit off the false promises made by sanctuary cities. Ignoring calls for aid from immigration officials should never be permitted in Michigan, especially when dangerous criminals are benefitting from these misguided policies.” 

Border authorities encountered more than 225,000 migrants along the US-Mexico border in December, according to Department of Homeland Security statistics – the highest monthly total recorded since 2000. Daily apprehensions by border authorities often surpassed 10,000.

“Michigan is a northern border state. Yet, we find ourselves coping with problems stemming from our southern border,” Fink said. “Banning sanctuary cities would send a clear message that Michigan will protect its citizens by working with federal officials and defending federal law.”

The bill was referred to the House Judiciary committee.

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