The House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee today approved legislation authored by state Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, protecting law enforcement officials from discipline or termination when calling for federal backup. LaFave’s plan creates the County Law Enforcement Protection Act, outlawing local units of government from enacting ordinances that limit a local official, employee or police officer from communicating with federal officials regarding the immigration status of an individual.
“Our police officers’ solemn obligation is to protect the people of the state of Michigan,” said LaFave, who chairs the committee. “The brave men and women of law enforcement should never be exploited for political purposes. My plan paves the way for first responders to call for reinforcements from their federal partners without fear of political retribution.”
A companion bill introduced by state Rep. Pamela Hornberger, of Chesterfield Township, has also been approved regarding cities, villages and townships.
“Police officers should never be restricted from checking for illegal immigration status in their current law enforcement routines,” LaFave said. “Local first responders must be able to communicate with federal officials so our federal immigration laws can be enforced properly, the public is kept safe and our police officers are immune from foolish political games.”
According to data from the Pew Research Center, Michigan had approximately 140,000 unauthorized immigrants as of 2014.
House Bill 4090 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
