Wyoming’s House Bill 133, which prohibits cities, towns, and counties from creating sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants, has passed through a state House committee with a 7-1 vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joel Guggenmos, R-Riverton, aims to ensure cooperation between local governments and federal immigration authorities to strengthen public safety and uphold the rule of law.
Although Wyoming currently has no sanctuary policies, the bill seeks to prevent such policies from emerging in the future, viewing this as a preemptive measure.
The bill includes significant penalties, including felony charges and potential prison time for local government officials who refuse to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters. It also mandates the withholding of state and federal funds from local governments that violate the law.
Critics, including Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, question the necessity of the bill, pointing out that Wyoming has no sanctuary cities.
They argue that the bill is addressing a non-issue and may erode trust between local communities and law enforcement, especially among immigrant populations. ACLU of Wyoming’s Antonio Serrano emphasized that the individuals involved in the Teton County case were not violent criminals but rather people lacking driver’s licenses.
The bill has sparked debate, with some, like Secretary of State Chuck Gray, expressing concern about the potential for sanctuary cities in Wyoming, while others like Campbell County Commissioner Jim Ford oppose the bill’s harsh penalties. The measure continues to move forward, but discussions about its impact on local governments and immigrant communities are ongoing.