West Montgomery Times

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republicans held a press conference Wednesday to highlight legislation aimed at combating illegal immigration in the state, citing the Biden administration’s ongoing failure to secure the southern border.

“Every time you create a sanctuary city or county, you are literally moving the national border to your own neighborhood. And when the government picks and chooses which laws are important, they invite the people that live under their watch to do the same. This must stop,” said Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).

Cutler emphasized that House Republicans have introduced measures to address illegal immigration in Pennsylvania. These measures range from outlawing sanctuary cities and counties to addressing crime and violence linked to illegal immigration.

Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) has proposed legislation requiring a $1 million minimum bail for assaulting a law enforcement officer, prompted by an attack on New York Police Department officers by a gang of illegal immigrants earlier this year. She highlighted the need to curb crime and violence associated with illegal immigration.

“My legislation to set a minimum $1 million bail for assaulting a police officer sends a clear message: Pennsylvania stands firmly against violence toward those who protect and serve our communities,” White said. “We are committed to making sure those who would harm our officers, including illegal immigrants, will face serious consequences for their actions.”

Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne) introduced a resolution urging Congress and federal authorities to address "ghost flights," which he described as untracked flights carrying undocumented immigrants into the United States. He stressed the importance of federal-local cooperation in tackling illegal immigration.

“I believe it is prudent that federal officials collaborate with state and local authorities, as well as non-governmental organizations, to ensure immigration policy is implemented in a safe, humane manner,” Cabell stated. “If ghost flights continue, it not only risks the safety of our communities but also the safety of the immigrants involved.”

Rep. Donna Scheuren (R-Montgomery) discussed her forthcoming legislation aimed at cracking down on squatters and mandating local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if squatters are found to be in the country illegally.

“For too long in Pennsylvania, we have protected criminal squatters over the rights of property owners,” said Scheuren. “My Homeowner Protection and Squatter Eviction Act would provide property owners with the protections they deserve.”

Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) underscored his legislative efforts using state preemption authority to ban sanctuary municipalities in Pennsylvania.

“Communities that grant sanctuary status to illegal immigrants are failing in their most basic responsibility to uphold the law and protect residents' safety,” Warner said. “My legislation has already led at least two Pennsylvania counties reversing their sanctuary status.”