Local officials in so-called sanctuary cities are under fire this week for allegedly shielding from deportation more than 17,000 criminal illegal immigrants by ignoring federal detainers that order local law enforcement to hold suspects until federal authorities are able to intervene.

The Washington Examiner has the story:

The explosive growth of so-called “sanctuary cities,” under fire Wednesday by President Trump, has reached over 300 and blocked federal officials from seizing, and likely deporting, more than 17,000 criminal illegals.

The Center for Immigration Studies, which has collected the names of every sanctuary, reports:

“Over the 19-month period from January 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015, more than 17,000 detainers were rejected by these jurisdictions. Of these, about 11,800 detainers, or 68 percent, were issued for individuals with a prior criminal history.”

We are a nation of laws and it’s crucial – for the sake of law and order – that our laws are respected, not ignored, and that all Americans are protected. Click here to help Tea Party Patriots urge lawmakers to enforce our commonsense immigration policies that underscore the need to preserve life, liberty and property for all Americans!