By the Washington Times: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/21/lawmaker-pushes-holder-on-sanctuary-cities/print/

Frustrated at the Justice Department‘s lawsuit against Arizona’s new immigration law, a Republican congressman introduced a bill demanding that the attorney general also take action against so-called “sanctuary cities,” which discourage immigration enforcement.

Rep. Duncan Hunter‘s bill is the latest step as lawmakers seek to inject themselves into the debate and force their colleagues to take a stand on the contentious Arizona law. One of those moves failed Wednesday when Republicans tried, but failed, to have the Senate vote on blocking the government’s lawsuit against Arizona.

Washington D.C. – As the Department of Justice goes to court today to block the implementation of Arizona’s immigration law, Congressman Hunter has introduced legislation to deny DOJ any funding to continue challenging the Arizona law until action is taken against sanctuary cities.  The legislation – the Sanctuary City Prevention Act – follows a recent report that DOJ is unwilling to force sanctuary cities into compliance with immigration law, despite filing a lawsuit against Arizona on the basis that the state law interferes with federal enforcement duties. 

Washington DC – Congressman Hunter has signed two separate amicus briefs supporting Arizona’s immigration law.  One brief, written by the Washington Legal Foundation, opposes a lawsuit initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union.  The other brief, supported by the House Immigration Reform Caucus, opposes the Obama Administration’s lawsuit to block the implementation of the Arizona immigration law. 

“Arizona is moving closer to implementing its new immigration law, but trying to stand in its way are the ACLU and the Obama Administration, which assert that states have no legal recourse to protecting citizens from the dangers of illegal immigration,” said Congressman Hunter.  “After decades of opportunity, the federal government continues to ignore the reality that border communities face every day, leaving Arizona no other option.  It’s quite possible that other states may soon follow Arizona’s lead. 

“In actuality, Arizona is doing nothing more than enforcing the laws that the federal government refuses to enforce itself.  What’s ironic is that the Obama Administration is challenging Arizona’s law because it interferes with federal enforcement efforts, yet it has no plans to challenge sanctuary cities for their refusal to uphold federal immigration laws.  This lawsuit and disinterest in prosecuting sanctuary cities show that the Obama Administration – like previous Administrations — has no intention of doing what is necessary to secure the border and enforce the law.”