Rep. McSally introduces bill to reimburse border states that incarcerate ‘criminal illegal aliens’

In response to fiscal concerns raised by a number of sheriffs in Arizona, U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) recently introduced legislation that would reauthorize a program to reimburse state and local governments for incarcerating undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in the United States.

McSally’s bill would specifically reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), which requires the federal government to reimburse state and local governments for all costs associated with incarcerating persons who are unlawfully present in the United States and have violated a law. If enacted, the program would be reauthorized through FY2021.

“Arizona Sheriffs along our southwest border are doing a praiseworthy job, but they need more support from the federal government,” McSally said. “Since 2009, Arizona counties have absorbed more than $310 million for these types of expenditures. Taxpayers along the border should not have to foot the federal government’s bill—diverting local resources away from other law enforcement priorities.”

The program’s funding has varied greatly since it was first established in 1986, reaching a peak of $565 million during FY2002. Most recently, funding dropped to $210 million during FY2017.

The bill’s introduction serves as a follow up to an April 4 letter in which McSally, along with 34 of her House colleagues, requested Congressional appropriations to ensure that sufficient funds were allocated to SCAAP so law enforcement entities could be properly reimbursed.

“The taxpayers of Pima County are shouldering this burden because the federal government has not seen through its responsibility to provide a secure border,” Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier said. “I am thankful to Congresswoman McSally for quickly acting to address the needs and concerns of our community.”