Huizenga on Kalamazoo Township: Sanctuary Policies Endanger Our Community

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) issued his response to a letter sent by the Kalamazoo Township Supervisor regarding the Township Board potentially adopting a sanctuary ordinance that would order local law enforcement to not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. In his response to Supervisor Combs, Huizenga specifically references the threat to public safety that such an action would pose to not only Kalamazoo Township but also communities across Kalamazoo County and Southwest Michigan: “Given Kalamazoo Township’s proximity to U.S. 131 and the I-94 Corridor, I believe a sanctuary resolution creates a direct threat not only to the township itself but also to the surrounding communities by signaling to those illegally smuggling people and deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, that Kalamazoo Township is a safe harbor for their operations. The men and women of our local, state, and federal law enforcement community put their lives on the line each day to protect our community. We should show our gratitude for their sacrifices by supporting them, not making their jobs more difficult. I urge you and the board to reconsider this misguided proposal and instead engage with all law enforcement officials on ways we can make our community safer.” The full text of Congressman Huizenga’s letter is available online .