Sens. Harding & Sampson Statement on Successful ICE Sting in CT Targeting Violent Criminals

For Immediate Release

Sen. Stephen Harding and Sen. Rob Sampson today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston arresting 65 illegal aliens during a four-day operation in Connecticut dubbed “Operation Broken Trust.”  The sting targeted transnational organized crime, gangs and egregious offenders. Among the 65 arrested, 29 had been convicted or charged in the U.S. with serious crimes, including kidnapping, assault, drug offenses, weapons violations and sex crimes. Others were identified as members of transnational gangs or had criminal histories in their home countries.  (https://www.foxnews.com/us/ice-arrests-65-illegal-aliens-sanctuary-state-operation-targeting-gangs-transnational-organized-crime)

“Good. This is excellent news.  Connecticut’s streets are now safer. Violent offenders are now in custody.

The federal government clearly has taken note of Connecticut’s super-sanctuary policies, even though Gov. Lamont and Democrats really, really don’t want the term ‘sanctuary state’ applied to our state.

The federal government clearly has taken note that Connecticut law under Democrat one-party rule prohibits local and state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities – including for those who have been convicted for violent felonies.  Some examples:

1. Contamination of water supply or food supply for terrorist purposes

2. Damage to public transportation property for terrorist purposes

3. Strangulation

4. Assault of an elderly/blind or disabled person in the second degree with a firearm

So we thank ICE and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for their focus on Connecticut and their diligence in making Connecticut’s streets safer.

Connecticut Republicans will continue to stand for law and order, and we will continue to stand with victims of violent crime.”