Louisiana Senate Passes Bill to Jail Illegal Entrants as New York Tackles Squatting Epidemic

Mason Riverwind

Updated Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 6:25 AM CDT

Louisiana Senate Passes Bill to Jail Illegal Entrants as New York Tackles Squatting Epidemic

In a decisive move, the Republican-controlled Louisiana Senate has advanced a bill that aims to arrest and incarcerate individuals who have illegally entered the United States. The bill, which passed along strict party lines after a brief ten-minute debate, is now headed to the Louisiana House for consideration. Authored by GOP State Senator Valarie Hodges, the legislation imposes severe penalties for illegal reentry, with first offenders facing up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine, and repeat offenders looking at up to two years and a $10,000 fine. There are specific exceptions outlined for necessary witnesses or victims of serious crimes.

Senator Hodges defends the bill, asserting that in light of the federal government's failure to enforce immigration laws, Louisiana is stepping up to protect the nation. However, critics argue that the bill is unconstitutional, won't enhance state safety, and contributes to negative migrant stereotypes. The bill's future hinges on the Supreme Court's decision regarding similar Texas legislation, which is presently on hold.

Louisiana is proposing an interstate compact with Texas and other states to consolidate resources for border security, reflecting a growing trend among Republican-led states to assert greater control over immigration enforcement. The state has other immigration-related bills in the pipeline, including a ban on sanctuary city policies and funding for the Louisiana National Guard's deployment to the Texas-Mexico border. Louisiana's Republican Governor Jeff Landry has directed state agencies to compile and disseminate data on migrants within the state.

In New York, State Senator Mario Mattera is tackling the squatting "epidemic" with a new bill that authorizes police to evict squatters immediately based on a homeowner's complaint. Mattera's legislative package, inspired by Florida's approach, seeks to redefine "occupant," clarify criminal trespass definitions, and protect individuals wrongfully removed from properties. New York City's squatting issues have escalated, with instances of violence such as the tragic case of Thomas Buckleman, who suffered skull fractures from an attack by a squatter.

The city is also mourning NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty. New York City, which has welcomed over 175,000 migrants in two years, faces increased squatting problems, with some squatters having extensive criminal records. TikT***r Leonal Moreno's arrest for encouraging illegal migrants to invoke squatters' rights has further fueled the debate. Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul are under fire for not revoking sanctuary policies in light of these safety concerns.

In the Bronx, the release of six out of eight migrant squatters without bail after guns and drugs were discovered on a property has sparked outrage. As concerns over safety and the law mount, over 1.5 million residents have departed New York, opting for states like Tennessee and Florida, signaling a significant demographic shift.

Conservative Bias:

In a bold stand against the chaos of open borders, the Louisiana Senate, led by true American patriots, has taken a necessary step to defend our nation from the lawlessness encouraged by the liberal agenda. This bill, expertly crafted by the GOP, is a beacon of hope for law-abiding citizens who are fed up with the Democrats' refusal to protect our communities from the flood of illegal aliens. While the left continues to coddle criminals and prioritize non-citizens over Americans, Louisiana is sending a clear message: We will not stand by and watch our country be invaded. Meanwhile, New York, a liberal bastion of dysfunction, is reaping the whirlwind of its sanctuary policies, with citizens under siege in their own homes by squatters. This is what happens when leftist policies prioritize the rights of trespassers over the safety of the American people. It's high time for a return to law and order, and Louisiana is leading the charge.

Liberal Bias:

In a draconian display of xenophobia, the Louisiana Senate, dominated by conservative extremists, has passed a punitive bill that t****les on human rights and spits in the face of the Constitution. This legislation is nothing but a fear-mongering tactic aimed at scapegoating immigrants for the failures of the GOP's own policies. It's a disgraceful attempt to divert attention from the real issues plaguing our society, such as income inequality and lack of access to healthcare, all while tearing families apart. Over in New York, the true epidemic is not squatting, but the rampant inequality and lack of affordable housing, exacerbated by conservative fiscal policies that favor the wealthy. The criminalization of poverty and the vilification of migrants are hallmarks of a society that has lost its moral compass, all under the guise of "safety." The tragedy of Officer Diller's death is being exploited by the right to push their anti-immigrant narrative, while they ignore the systemic issues that lead to such desperate acts of squatting.

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