[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 12, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. TUBERVILLE (for himself, Mr. Tillis, and Mr. Rounds):
  S. 1582. A bill to provide for enhanced Federal enforcement of, and 
State and local assistance in the enforcement of, the immigration laws 
of the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the 
Judiciary.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, I join my colleagues today during 
Police Week to honor the work of our Nation's law enforcement officers.
  Being a law enforcement officer is one of the toughest jobs that 
there is, but it is also foundational to a functioning society. We rely 
on these brave men and women to protect and serve our country every 
day.
  Unfortunately, many officers are being driven out by a wave of anti-
police rhetoric on the heels of bad actors who operated outside of 
their training. We need to have trust between law enforcement and 
citizens. Without it, our society frays and decays.
  Over the course of this week, my colleagues are sharing many stories 
of law enforcement officers stepping up to help their fellow citizens 
in times of need and build trust with the communities that they serve.
  We are lucky to have many brave and honorable officers in Alabama and 
around this country.
  I think about Officer Jonathan Espino from the Decatur Police 
Department. Last year, Officer Espino responded to a medical call. A 
man was trying to bring his mom back to life, trying to perform CPR. 
Officer Espino took over for the man after he arrived and began CPR. 
Just before medical personnel arrived, the woman's heart started 
beating again, and she was gasping for air. He saved her life.
  I think of Officer Wesley Harrison from the Abbeville Police 
Department. Officer Harrison received a call that a woman was in a 
burning building. Officer Harrison arrived on the scene minutes later 
and was able to carry the elderly woman out of the structure, with the 
help of another investigator.
  These police officers went above and beyond the call of duty, and 
lives were saved because of their heroism. But we know such an 
important job comes with great risk. Just last week, Alabama honored 
the 11 law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice the 
last 2 years. In the last 2 days alone across the United States of 
America, four law enforcement officers have been killed. We are forever 
grateful to each of these officers who have laid down their lives in 
service for their community.
  How would you like to every day wake up, put a uniform on, a badge on 
your chest, a gun on your side, leave your family, walk out the door, 
knowing it might be the last time you ever walk into that home or see 
your family? That is what happens to these law enforcement officers 
every day of their career, which is why I firmly believe we need more 
support for law enforcement, not less.
  They need more training so they can be better at handling difficult 
situations. This is especially true as we see an uptick in mental 
health issues all across this country. They need targeted resources so 
they can recruit the best and brightest for these important roles in 
the community and across our country. Let's invest in the resources 
that they can ensure all law enforcement officers are a true force for 
good for all people across their State and across this country.
  Part of keeping communities safe is making sure our law enforcement 
officers have the authority they need to enforce compliance with our 
current laws. This is especially necessary as we see a flood of 
immigrants coming into our country illegally.
  Right now, unless State and local law enforcement agencies have an 
agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, if an officer 
encounters an illegal alien in the course of performing their normal 
duties in their hometowns, they cannot arrest or detain that individual 
for immigration purposes.
  Right now, ICE arrests are low, even while illegal border crossings 
are historically high. Under President Biden's enforcement of our 
immigration laws, which has fallen dramatically, arrests by ICE for the 
last 4 months have fallen 66 percent. Under the Biden administration, 
ICE has released at least 3,700 inmates. Alarmingly, 1,800 of those 
were charged or convicted of crimes including homicide, rape, assault, 
child abuse, and more. Secretary Mayorkas recently limited the places 
where ICE and CBP can enforce the law. Many Federal law enforcement 
officers fear that the Biden administration will further restrict where 
they can do their jobs.
  If the Federal Government will not enforce the immigration laws, our 
State and local law enforcement should be empowered to do so. That is 
why today I introduced the Empowering Law Enforcement Act, which grants 
inherent authority to State and local officials to enforce our Nation's 
immigration laws.
  Additionally, my bill will give Federal authorities the flexibility 
to extend the amount of time they can detain criminal aliens. If a 
State or local law enforcement entity is detaining an alien, this bill 
would require Homeland Security to take that illegal alien into custody 
upon request from that entity.
  The bill ensures that State and local authorities can get reimbursed 
for the cost related to the incarceration and transportation of the 
alien.
  The Empowering Law Enforcement Act is about common sense. If the 
Biden administration won't enforce the law, let's empower those who 
will. I urge my colleagues to support this practical solution to a very 
real and very serious problem.
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