House passes restrictions to penalize sanctuary cities

WASHINGTON — Sanctuary cities would have a tougher time protecting undocumented immigrants. Immigrants who try to re-enter the country illegally would find stiffer punishment.

That’s the sort of get-toughon-immigration policies President Donald Trump has eagerly sought, and Thursday, the House went along, largely on party-line votes. It approved two measures to implement his plan; the bills now go to the Senate, where they appear in for a tougher time.

The road will be bumpier, if not impossible, in the Senate because 60 votes will be needed to cut off debate, and Republicans control 52 seats. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who in the past worked to fashion a bipartisan compromise on immigration, said he had “no idea” of the bills’ prospects.

For some time, most Republicans, led by Trump, have argued that cities allowing sanctuary status should see their federal grant dollars restricted. Democrats counter that local law enforcement agencies have enough to do without having to become federal immigration agents.

One House bill, Kate’s Law, was approved by a 257-167 vote. It would increase prison sentences for illegal immigrants who re-enter the country after being deported.

The legislation is named after 32-year-old Kate Steinle who was killed two years ago in San Francisco by undocumented immigrant Juan Francisco Sanchez-Lopez.

The sanctuary cities measure passed by a 228-195 vote.