US want tolerate "sanctuary city" interference

Washington Times:

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff yesterday told a House panel that his agency will not tolerate interference by so-called "sanctuary cities" when it comes to hiring illegal aliens.

Mr. Chertoff said his agency will enforce the Basic Pilot Program that requires businesses to check the legal status of new employees by matching Social Security numbers and information in Homeland Security Department databases.

Mr. Chertoff told the House Homeland Security Committee: "I certainly wouldn't tolerate interference" by cities who attempt to block the program.

"We're exploring our legal options," Mr. Chertoff said. "I intend to take as vigorous legal action as the law allows to prevent that from happening, prevent that kind of interference."

Mr. Chertoff stopped short of threatening "sanctuary cities" by withholding government funding.

"I don't know that I have the authority to cut off all Homeland Security funds if I disagree with the city's policy on immigration," Mr. Chertoff said. "And of course, I have to say the consequence of that might be to put the citizens at risk, you know, in the event of a natural disaster.

"I don't want to put people's lives at risk, but I do think where the law gives me the power to prevent anybody from interfering with our activities, we will use the law to prevent that interference," Mr. Chertoff said.

...

Congress certainly has the authority to withhold funds from sanctuary cities and should exercise that authority. If it did there would not be any sanctuary cities. That they exist at all suggest that congress is not really serious about the rule of law when it comes to enforcing immigration laws. There should be zero tolerance for interfering with enforcement of the law. The Homeland Security Department should look at criminal indictments against those who interfere.