Louisiana Republican lawmakers introduced a bill Monday that, if passed, would allow local and state police to arrest and detain illegal immigrants. Associated Press report.
The Republican-controlled state Senate passed the Senate Bill 388 State Sen. Valarie Hodges (R) said it passed on a 28-11 vote with 14 co-authors.
in post In X, Hodges wrote, “Louisiana is one step closer to securing our borders and addressing the illegal immigration crisis.”
“It is imperative that we as a nation protect our citizens from the crime, drug and human trafficking that comes with open borders in this era of invasion,” she said in an earlier letter. post.
“I know some people have concerns about this bill, but I’m most concerned about the people of Louisiana, and this bill… What it does to the state: jobs, crime rates, and safety.”
If the bill passes, illegal immigrants detained by local authorities could face up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine. Those who commit multiple crimes could face two years in prison and pay a $10,000 fine.
Democratic state Sen. Lois Duplessis and other critics of the bill argued for its legality. WVUE-DT report.
“We just finished a whole crime session and we’re going to do all these things to address the crime problem here in Louisiana, but now we’re going to go beyond that and do the work of the federal government.” Mr. Duplessis said. said. “I don’t think this bill solves anything. I think all it does is expand the narrative.”
The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives for debate.
The proposed bill says SB 388 would “create a crime of unlawful entry or re-entry into the State of Louisiana by an alien.”
Hodges and other supporters of the bill argue that states have a “right to protect our country.”
The bill is similar to Texas Senate Bill 4, which was scheduled to take effect in March but is currently facing legal challenges presented by the Biden administration. The White House claims the measure “intrudes into areas occupied by the federal government” and “contradicts various federal regulations.” [Immigration and Nationality Act]. ”
If Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) office wins the legal battle, state and local law enforcement officials would be given the power to arrest, detain, prosecute and deport illegal immigrants.
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
