OPINION | Barry Richard: 5th Circuit Gets it Right on Sanctuaries

(Getty Images)

Finally, a court decision on illegal immigration that makes sense.

The New York Times reports that The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has upheld most of Texas tough law targeting sanctuary cities. The ruling allows the law, considered among the toughest in the nation, to take effect while legal challenges proceed.

The unanimous decision allows police officers to inquire about immigration status during an arrest. It also threatens jail time for Police Chiefs and Sheriffs who fail to cooperate with federal immigration officials. The panel did not buy arguments that the law would lead to racial profiling.

In a statement Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says the law protects citizens and law enforcement officials;

“Enforcing immigration law prevents the release of individuals from custody who have been charged with serious crimes. Dangerous criminals shouldn’t be allowed back into our communities to possibly commit more crimes.”

The mayors of some of the Lone Star State's largest cities and the ACLU are outraged by the ruling and some suggest they may even defy the law. This is nuts.

Paxton is correct. Dangerous criminals who violate U.S. immigration laws should not be allowed back on the streets where they can offend over and over again. Any elected official worth his or her salt should demand their removal from society not defend their "right" to be here.

Voters in November must consider the risks involved with protecting criminal illegal aliens in our cities. Don't be fooled by politicians who want to lecture you about immigration. Most all Americans support lawful immigration. But, allowing politicians to protect and coddle criminal illegal aliens is both dangerous and fool hearty.

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.