Senators Ryan Aument, Scott Martin, and Chris Gebhard have issued a statement condemning the recent decision made by Lancaster City Council, which unanimously passed the Lancaster Trust Act. The act officially terminates the city’s cooperation with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) except in specific circumstances. The senators expressed their deep concerns about the implications of this decision on the safety of Lancaster County residents.
In their statement, the senators highlighted the potential dangers of non-cooperation with a federal law enforcement agency, emphasizing that it could compromise the safety of the community. They pointed out a recent tragic incident where a 22-year-old student was murdered in Georgia by a violent illegal immigrant. The senators linked this incident to what they described as “dangerously lax immigration policies” similar to those approved by the Lancaster City Council.
The senators also raised concerns about the impact of weak border security on human trafficking, citing warnings from the vice president of the National Border Patrol Council union. They emphasized the importance of combating human trafficking, a crime that disproportionately affects Lancaster County.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by the current immigration crisis, the senators criticized the council’s decision as “tone deaf, dangerous, and worsens an already severe emergency.” They called on the council to reconsider their decision and prioritize the safety and well-being of Lancaster County residents.
The senators’ statement concluded with a strong plea for the council to rescind their decision and focus on addressing the needs and concerns of the local community.
For further information, the public can contact Stephanie Applegate (Sen. Aument), Jason Thompson (Sen. Martin), and Alex Gamble (Sen. Gebhard).
