‘Sanctuary cities’ bill evokes tears, anger in hearing

By KAREN BROOKS
Austin Bureau

Published 02 March 2011 11:12 PM

AUSTIN — A retired, partially paralyzed police officer begged lawmakers in a twisted, tortured voice to think about how he was shot in the face by a heroin dealer and illegal immigrant.

An advocate beseeched them to consider the safety of an illegal immigrant who would never have called the police on her violent husband had she been worried about them asking for her papers.

They were among dozens testifying on a bill to ban so-called sanctuary cities during a House committee hearing that ran into the night Wednesday. The committee was not expected to vote on the measure during the meeting.

The bill by state Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton, forbids cities from adopting policies prohibiting the enforcement of state or federal laws — specifically federal immigration laws.

It would allow officers to inquire about immigration status as long as the person was lawfully detained. The bill would withhold state grant money and other funding, and allow the Texas attorney general to sue, if they didn’t comply.

“There’s nothing in this bill that requires a police officer to ask one question that they don’t think they need to ask in connection with the investigation of a criminal offense,â€