Amid a border crisis in the U.S., Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) introduced a new bill that would give more control to state and local leaders when concerning illegal immigrants.

The “Local Control Act” would give elected leaders the ability to decline attempts by the federal government to provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants in cities or states.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) endorsed the act.

“The Local Control Act returns power to the American people by requiring state governors to approve any federal plans to house or resettle illegal aliens in their state,” said FAIR President Dan Stein. “It also gives localities the ability to opt-out of illegal alien resettlement. Federal funding should not be used to detriment the interests of U.S. citizens and lawful residents, and this bill will ensure that their voices are heard. Remember, the American people are the key stakeholders when it comes to immigration, and this legislation treats them as such.”

The act would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the governor of a state before transporting a person with an illegal status into that governor’s state. The act also states that “no federal funds may be used to transport, house, or resettle any alien without lawful status under the immigration laws within a state without the approval of the Governor of the State” or subdivision of a state.

“The first duty of any government is to protect its citizens against invaders,” said Brooks. “I believe in empowering governors and local elected officials to defend their states and communities since Joe Biden has proven incapable or unwilling to do his duty.”

You can read the full text of the Local Control Act here.

Brooks is in his sixth term representing Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. He is a 2022 candidate for U.S. Senate.

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