CLEVELAND — Akron Mayor Shammas Malik recently opposed multiple bills that allow the federal government’s powers regarding immigration.
What You Need To Know
Each bill requires full compliance with the federal government by the state or local employees
Malik brought legislation to Akron City Council to oppose each bill
Ward 1 Councilmember Fran Wilson is co-sponsoring the legislation
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik recently opposed multiple bills that allow the federal government’s powers regarding immigration.
Each bill requires full compliance with the federal government by the state or local employees.
House Bill 26
Under the Protecting Ohio Communities Act, state and local employees must fulfill federal requests for homeland security and immigration enforcement. Additionally, the act forbids municipal corporations from creating policies that impede such compliance.
House Bill 42
Schools and state agencies must gather and submit information on the citizenship or immigration status of individuals they assist, according to this bill.
House Bill 281
The proposed legislation intends to compel licensed hospitals and psychiatric hospitals to grant law enforcement access for the purpose of enforcing immigration laws.
Senate Bill 172
Under this bill, state and local officials would be obligated to permit the apprehension or detention of those suspected of being undocumented, no matter the circumstances.
Malik brought legislation to Akron City Council to oppose each bill. Ward 1 Councilmember Fran Wilson is co-sponsoring the legislation.
Akron’s mayor had this to say in a statement:
“Akron is and will continue to be a welcoming community for all, including our immigrant and refugee populations. These neighbors are an integral part of the fabric of our community, and they make our community stronger in many ways, including strengthening our economy. As our nation has seen several large deployments of ICE agents to American cities, my administration is deeply concerned about the way in which these deployments have occurred, the loss of life which has resulted, and the fear and uncertainty it has generated in our own community.
While local law enforcement has no role in civil immigration enforcement, these bills in Ohio’s state legislature would change this, effectively involving local law enforcement agencies and other entities in ICE operations. I am strongly opposed to any legislation that seeks to involve local law enforcement in these efforts, which would take attention away from our public safety priorities here in Akron and blur the line between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.”