Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by State Representative Joseph G. Pavlov (R-Smiths Creek) to ban sanctuary cities in Michigan. Pavlov’s House Bill 4339 would create the County Law Enforcement Protection Act, which would prohibit counties in Michigan from enacting or enforcing any law, ordinance, or policy that prohibits their local police from cooperating with federal officials in enforcing federal immigration law.

“Respect for the Constitution and respect for the rule of law demand that we put an end to sanctuary cities in our state,” Pavlov said. “Local governments in Michigan not only openly defy our constitutional order by harboring illegal immigrants, they also invite dangerous criminals into our communities. We cannot tolerate this willful criminality.”

Pavlov’s legislation is part of a larger bill package that offers a comprehensive approach to addressing illegal immigration and sanctuary cities. This legislative plan includes bills that withhold statutory revenue sharing from sanctuary cities, prohibit welfare benefits like Medicaid and rent assistance from being sent to illegal immigrants, and prohibit sanctuary cities in townships, villages, and cities.

“Cooperation between the state and federal government is a responsibility shared by every state that wishes to be a part of the United States of America,” Pavlov said in a speech he delivered on the House floor in support of the bill package. “The federal government is required by the Constitution to ensure national security. Their efforts for national security include efforts inside of Michigan. Thus, our local governments should not prohibit the federal government from providing the services that our Constitution demands for American citizens.”

House Bill 4339 now moves to the Michigan Senate for further consideration.