Erie County Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a new bill aimed at safeguarding residents from illegal migrants who commit crimes in the state. The legislation, introduced by Senators Dan Laughlin, Wayne Langerholc, Jr., and Jarrett Coleman, was approved with a bipartisan majority, receiving 31 votes in favor and 18 against.

Senate Bill 471 mandates that prosecutors alert U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when a criminal defendant is identified as being unlawfully present in the country. This measure ensures that those who commit serious offenses are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. Additionally, the bill prohibits sanctuary policies that would hinder communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies.

Senator Laughlin emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "This is a strong bill that will safeguard our communities and ensure that dangerous criminals are not allowed to remain in Pennsylvania. We have a duty to protect our residents, and this bill gives law enforcement the tools they need to do exactly that."

Senator Langerholc described the legislation as "common sense," explaining that those who are in the country illegally and break the law will face accountability.

Senator Coleman spoke on the personal impact of such crimes, citing several cases that underscore the necessity of stronger enforcement. He noted, "I don’t want to have to learn about another Laken Riley. Or Jocelyn Nungaray, the 12-year-old from Texas who was raped and strangled to death by alleged assailants here illegally from Venezuela. Or the two New York City police officers brutally attacked by an illegal alien in 2023, months after the man got out of jail on theft charges. There are too many tragedies, too many American families hurt, that could have been avoided if ICE and our state and local authorities were aligned on upholding our immigration laws."

The bill is now set for consideration by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.