Sanctuary cities are wreaking havoc on American communities by protecting and even celebrating illegal immigrants, according to former detective Ted Williams.
“Sanctuary cities are basically a magnet for crime,” Williams told Fox News. “It’s a beacon calling out to illegal aliens to come and do what they want.”
Williams, a 24-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, spoke out after the city council in his hometown passed a motion declaring Los Angeles a sanctuary city.
The policy change, he said, means that illegal immigrants are no longer required to be reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by local authorities. Instead, Williams claimed that law enforcement officers are being forced to turn a blind eye to criminal activity perpetrated by illegal aliens.
“It’s creating a safe haven for drug traffickers, human traffickers, and violent criminals,” he said. “Sanctuary cities are fueling a great deal of havoc, and it’s putting American citizens in danger.”
Williams argued that the move is not just illegal, but also irresponsible and shortsighted.
“This is a clear violation of federal law, and it’s a slap in the face to every law enforcement officer who’s put their life on the line to protect their community,” he said.
Furthermore, Williams suggested that the move will only attract more illegal immigration and make the problem worse.
“By saying you’re not going to enforce immigration laws, you’re saying, ‘Come on down, guys. The party’s here, and it’s open-ended.’ And that’s exactly what’s happening in Los Angeles.”
The former detective concluded that it’s time for local authorities to stop playing politics with public safety and start doing their job to protect American citizens.
“We need to take a hard look at these sanctuary policies and say, ‘This isn’t working.’ It’s not keeping our communities safe, and it’s putting innocent people at risk.”