SCR1602, a new proposal in the Kansas Senate, urges cooperation with federal deportations

Kansas | January 17, 2025

By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus

SCR 1602 was introduced in the Kansas State and Federal Affairs Committee. Edited photo from iStock - Planeta Venus

On January 14, 2025, Kansas State Senator Mike Thompson introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1602, urging Governor Laura Kelly to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement policies, including the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

The resolution emphasizes that illegal immigration leads to "serious repercussions for the entire state, including threats to public safety and health through human trafficking, the deadly fentanyl crisis, and pressure on public resources." It also highlights the importance of collaboration between state and federal authorities for effective law enforcement and addressing challenges associated with illegal immigration.

You can listen to the presentation of Resolution 1602 starting at minute 4:30

“We were already expecting resolutions and bills that would affect our immigrant community during this legislative session, however, we did not think it would happen so quickly and with so little time to prepare testimony,” Audé Negrete, executive director of the Kansas Latino Community Network, shared with Planeta Venus.

On January 16, the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs heard five testimonies regarding the resolution. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach supported the measure, stating, "I support President Trump’s commitments to end the abuse of immigration parole and to issue an urgently needed executive order to stop federal agencies from granting birthright citizenship."

Robert Stuart, representing the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), also backed the resolution, noting, "there are approximately 75,000 illegal immigrants residing in Kansas. By definition those people are in violation of federal law. Determining what percentage of that population commits additional crime at the state and local level is difficult to ascertain."

Kaitlin Owens from the America First Policy Institute expressed her support, asserting, "Illegal immigration presents significant challenges to Kansans’ safety and well-being, including threats from human trafficking, the distribution of deadly fentanyl, and undue strain on public resources."

Conversely, Alejandro Rangel López of New Frontiers/Loudlight Civil Action opposed the resolution, arguing, "Instead of fostering fear and providing a blank check for federal agencies to waste vital local resources, the legislature and this body should prioritize quality of life improvements for all Kansans."

Private citizen Doug Schaible also testified against the measure, expressing concerns about its implications, and stating "it is fiscally reckless to ask Kansans to cover the costs of federal responsibilities, depleting state funds meant for education, healthcare, and infrastructure."

Sen. Mike Thompson

Senator Mike Thompson represents Kansas' 10th District and assumed office on January 16, 2020. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs, which meets daily at 10:30 a.m. in room 144-S of the State Capitol.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1602 encourages Governor Kelly to use her legal authority to help secure the border, including offering assistance through the Kansas National Guard.

The Committee on Federal and State Affairs will continue deliberating on the resolution before it is presented for a vote in the full Senate.