In a partisan vote, Michigan's House of Representatives approved a resolution that could financially penalize municipalities and educational institutions defying specific immigration enforcement measures. House Resolution 19, passed 56-50, stipulates that state-directed funds will be withheld from entities that enact policies obstructing immigration enforcement or refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
The resolution clarifies that affected entities can regain eligibility for funding by certifying that their local laws do not contradict federal immigration enforcement. House leaders emphasized that this resolution, classified as a rule change rather than legislation, does not require Governor Gretchen Whitmer's approval.
Detroit is among the Michigan cities potentially facing funding cuts if its cooperation with immigration enforcement doesn't change. (Reuters)
Republican House Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus emphasized that local governments seeking state funds must adhere to the law. House Speaker Matt Hall, the resolution's sponsor, added that "sanctuary jurisdictions" would be denied funding for non-essential projects like recreational facilities and community centers. He clarified that constitutionally mandated revenue sharing would remain unaffected.
Hall noted that several municipalities, both Republican and Democrat-led, have already indicated their willingness to certify compliance with the new rule. He highlighted public sentiment against sanctuary jurisdictions in Michigan.
House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri criticized the resolution as a Republican "power grab" that could disrupt the budget process and cause unnecessary anxiety among communities. He urged Republicans to prioritize economic issues instead of "fearmongering." While Governor Whitmer hasn't commented on this specific resolution, she has previously expressed a more moderate stance on illegal immigration compared to other Democrats, stating that undocumented immigrants should not receive state aid.
