King introduces bill that could jail sanctuary officials

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) on Monday announced a bill that would penalize local and state officials who help enforce so-called sanctuary policies.

The Libby Schaaf Act, named after the Oakland, Calif., mayor who earlier this year alerted residents about a planned immigration sweep, aims to prevent local officials from aiding immigrants in the country illegally.

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“I want lawless, Sanctuary City politicians to hear this message clearly: if you obstruct ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], you are going to end up in the cooler,” King said in his announcement of the bill.

King, one of the most fervent opponents of immigration in Congress, said there was debate about the legality of Schaaf’s actions and his bill would get rid of any doubt about the law.

The Trump administration has been heavily opposed to sanctuary cities — cities that offer protections for immigrants in the country illegally — and President Trump has said that Schaaf should be prosecuted.

Schaaf responded to Trump’s calls by saying that, “in Oakland, we are not obstructing justice. We are seeking it.”

ICE chief Thomas Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen have also petitioned the Justice Department to prosecute sanctuary city officials.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department sued California over alleged interference with federal immigration policies through its sanctuary laws.