U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, held a hearing on Mar. 10 titled “Sanctuary Cities: The Cost of Undermining Law and Order.” The hearing examined the effects of sanctuary policies adopted by more than two hundred cities and twelve states across the country.
The topic is significant as it addresses ongoing debates about public safety and immigration enforcement in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal authorities. The hearing highlighted concerns about how these policies may impact law enforcement and community safety.
During the session, Graham discussed a recent case involving Abdul Jalloh, an undocumented immigrant from Sierra Leone with a lengthy criminal record, who was accused of murdering Stephanie Minter, a young mother from Virginia, in February. Graham said that the sanctuary policies in Fairfax County contributed directly to this incident.
The hearing also addressed legislative disagreements over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. According to Graham, Senate Democrats have withheld support for DHS funding unless President Trump and Republicans agree to certain demands related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement procedures. One such demand would require ICE to obtain judicial warrants instead of administrative warrants before deporting undocumented immigrants.
A video recording of Chairman Graham’s opening statement, questions, and closing remarks is available through the committee’s website.
