1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

As your constituent in Lenexa, I am writing to urge you to oppose Senate Bill 178. This legislation seeks to force our local police departments into federal immigration enforcement roles, a move that I believe would be detrimental to our community. My primary concerns regarding SB 178 include: Erosion of Public Trust: When local police are viewed as immigration agents, victims and witnesses of crimes in our immigrant communities become afraid to come forward. This makes Lenexa less safe for everyone. Unfunded Mandate: This bill shifts the financial and administrative burden of federal enforcement onto Kansas taxpayers. Our local resources should be focused on local public safety, not federal civil immigration matters. Local Control: I believe our local police chiefs and sheriffs are best positioned to decide how to allocate their limited resources, rather than being forced by the state to enter into 287(g) agreements. Both of you have shown a commitment to fairness and smart public policy. I ask that you stand with local law enforcement and community members by voting NO on SB 178.