Kansas GOP lawmakers seek to nullify local ‘sanctuary’ rules

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers have passed a measure to overturn three communities’ policies that could help immigrants stay in Kansas illegally. Their action Wednesday highlighted an issue the GOP is likely to push in the governor’s race. The bill is a response to an ordinance enacted last month by Wyandotte County, a Democratic stronghold. The ordinance provides local identification cards for immigrants and other residents and declares that the county won’t help federal officials enforce immigration laws absent a threat to public safety. Lawrence and Roeland Park in northeast Kansas also have such immigration policies. Attorney General Derek Schmidt called on lawmakers to intervene. He is the presumed Republican nominee for governor.