Waterford Today

Rep. Mike Harris, representing Waterford, testified before the House Government Operations Committee in Lansing on February 11, 2025, advocating for House Resolution 19. This resolution aims to prevent any budget bill passed by the House from funding projects in sanctuary jurisdictions that hinder immigration enforcement.

The Michigan House of Representatives approved a plan on Tuesday to ban pork projects for local governments providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants. The resolution modifies House rules to block spending bills that allocate funds specifically to local governments impeding federal immigration enforcement, with the rule change passing along party lines.

Harris emphasized the importance of cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for public safety. He argued that when Michigan communities obstruct collaboration between local police and immigration officials, it complicates efforts by federal authorities to remove dangerous criminals. "If local governments avoid their duty to protect their communities, they shouldn’t get special earmarks from state taxpayers," said Harris.

Harris cited several violent crimes committed by illegal aliens in Michigan, including murder and sexual assault. He also mentioned home invasions by transnational gangs in Oakland County as examples of threats posed by international criminals.

Several Michigan jurisdictions have declared themselves sanctuary areas or adopted policies undermining immigration enforcement. For instance, East Lansing passed a resolution last year limiting local law enforcement's ability to work with federal immigration authorities. Similarly, the Kalamazoo County sheriff has refused to comply with federal detention requests for arrested illegal immigrants.

House Resolution 19 amends the rules of the House of Representatives to bar legislatively directed spending items from going to any county, city, village, township, or university with policies subverting immigration enforcement or refusing compliance with federal measures. Municipalities or universities seeking earmarks must certify cooperation with immigration officials and adherence to federal laws.

The restriction applies only to pork projects and does not affect constitutional or statutory revenue sharing or funding distributed through objective formulas or competitive grants.