Originally posted on Immigration Orange
I hate giving extremists attention, but someone has to start calling out Tom Tancredo for the fascism he is spewing. I never thought I would see the day that a U.S. Presidential candidate would offically advocate for the prosecution of legislators for introducing a bill.
New Hampshire Democrats Lily Mesa and Susi Nord recently proposed House Bill 404 is described as "an act prohibiting state and local law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws". To use the favored term of anti-migrant advocates it would have made New Hampshire a "sanctuary" state. For those of you that were wondering, sanctuary is a negative term for people like Tancredo. Concepts like mercy and justice make Tancredo's blood boil.
It is one thing to harmfully advocate for the local enforcement of federal immigration laws. It is another to suggest that legislators who disagree with you should be prosecuted. This is the first time I have ever used the word fascist to describe someone's viewpoints but that is exactly what this is.
Fascism: A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing aggressive nationalism and often racism
It's not like Tancredo just flippantly said these New Hampshire legislators should be prosecuted. Ge put it out in an official press release and has defended his comments to the Associated Press.
If Presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo had his way, New Hampshire lawmakers behind an immigration bill would be thrown out of office and prosecuted for helping illegal immigrants.
"If they actually implemented it, you bet. It's aiding and abetting. I think that's a pretty clear violation of the federal law," he said Wednesday of the bill, which would prohibit state and local authorities from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Tancredo, a Colorado congressman who has staked his long-shot campaign for president on his vehement opposition to illegal immigration, acknowledged some legal obstacles likely would prevent prosecuting state lawmakers over proposed legislation. Otherwise, "I'd be more than willing to pursue it," he said. Mayors and city councilors who adopt sanctuary city policies also should face criminal charges, he said.
I won't dwell too much on sanctuary policies, but they are absolutely necessary for local and state police to protect local residents. If migrants can't go to local law enforcement officials, they can't report on crimes committed against them, or by other people. Fostering trust with migrant populations actually makes cities and towns safer and more lawful. Even the Association of Major Cities Police Chiefs agrees that local officials should not enforce federal immigration law. If you have a problem with it, take it up with them.