‘Mayor Libby Schaaf Act’ would imprison gov’t officials who warn about ICE raids
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Republican lawmaker on Monday proposed a measure that would imprison government officials up to five years for obstructing the enforcement of federal laws.
The Mayor Libby Schaaf Act was introduced by Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, and named after the Oakland mayor who earlier this year tipped off residents of an incoming crackdown on illegal immigrants by federal authorities.
“I want lawless, sanctuary city politicians to hear this message clearly: if you obstruct ICE, you are going to end up in the cooler,” King said in a statement.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“It shall be unlawful for any officer, employee, or agent of a State or political subdivision thereof to obstruct, hinder, delay, or otherwise impede the enforcement of the laws of the United States, or to attempt to do so,” the text of the bill reads.
Shaaf in February used social media to warn the public about upcoming ICA actions.
Following the backlash, she stood behind her decision, despite claims from federal immigration authorities that hundreds of criminal illegal immigrants escaped capture as a result of her actions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"It is Oakland’s legal right to be a sanctuary city and we have not broken any laws," Schaaf said in a statement at the time. "We believe our community is safer when families stay together."
OAKLAND MAYOR CONSULTED WITH ILLEGAL-IMMIGRATION ACTIVISTS BEFORE TIPPING OFF ICE RAID
King’s proposed measure comes amid the showdown between officials in California and federal authorities.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}President Donald Trump met last week with California Republican lawmakers and law enforcement officials who pushed back against the state’s sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with immigration authorities.
Trump mentioned Schaaff by name, urging Attorney General Jeff Sessions to consider charging her for obstructing justice. “You talk about an obstruction of justice, I would recommend that you look into obstruction of justice for the mayor of Oakland California, Jeff,” he said.
The Oakland mayor fired back against criticism of her conduct, penning an article in The Washington Post saying she’s not guilty of obstruction of justice.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I wanted to make sure that people were prepared, not panicked, and that they understood their legal rights," Schaaf wrote.