Rep. Brad Knott Grills Ex-Baltimore Police Official on Sanctuary City Policies and Illegal Immigration

Major Franklin's Stance on Illegal Immigration

• 📌 Major Neill Franklin acknowledges that illegal immigration is a problem for the country.
• ⚠️ He agrees that the influx of 10 to 20 million people over the last four years presents a significant issue, impacting local communities and public safety.
• 🤝 Franklin expresses a desire for both sides to collaborate within the Constitution to develop sound border policies that allow individuals to become legal.

Federal Detainers and Sanctuary Policies

• ❓ Franklin explains that a federal detainer is a notice to local law enforcement requesting notification before the release of an individual in custody, particularly if they have already been arrested for a crime.
• 🚫 He states that under sanctuary city policies, particularly in Baltimore, these detainers are not honored or respected.
• ⚖️ Franklin clarifies that while a warrant would be honored, a detainer alone does not legally compel local law enforcement to hold an individual, especially if they are released by court order.

Prioritizing Local Law vs. Federal Cooperation

• 🚨 Knott questions the practice of releasing individuals arrested locally for crimes, who are also in the country illegally, rather than cooperating with federal law enforcement.
• 🗣️ Franklin asserts that local police operate according to the law, and if someone is released by court order, they are not held based solely on a detainer.
• 🏛️ The discussion highlights a conflict between local law enforcement's adherence to court orders and federal immigration enforcement priorities, particularly concerning individuals arrested for other offenses.