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Times-Gazette
Tracy bill would prohibit 'sanctuary cities'
Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The state legislature has passed a bill, sponsored by State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville, preventing any city in Tennessee from becoming a "sanctuary city" for illegal aliens. Specifically, the bill requires local law enforcement officials to report to federal immigration authorities when someone they have probable cause to believe someone they arrest is not a legal resident.

Thirty-eight cities in the U.S. have been recognized as sanctuary cities, according to Tracy's office, but his sources have identified more than 200 city or county governments nationwide as having practiced such policies. For example, San Francisco, Calif., has been a sanctuary city since 1989, and in 2007 its mayor, Gavin Newsom, said his personnel would not assist with any federal immigration raids, according to the San Francisco Chronicle web site. Other such cities have adopted policies prohibiting law enforcement officials from asking those who are arrested about their immigration status.

Tracy's measure prohibits local governments in Tennessee, or their officials, from passing any ordinances or policies that would create a sanctuary city.

Tracy said the bill is designed to be a pre-emptive strike against the adoptions of any policies to protect those who are in the United States illegally. It also urges the state attorney general and local governments to pursue any federal funds allocated to combat illegal immigration.

"This legislation will prevent any city from even considering becoming a sanctuary city," said Tracy. "There is a high cost to illegal immigration for our cities, counties and state. I am pleased this legislation was approved."

The bill, SB1310, now goes to the governor for his signature.

Tracy, a Republican, represents the 16th Senate district including Bedford, Moore and parts of Rutherford counties.

http://www.t-g.com/story/1546206.html