After Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri, expressed his support for welcoming migrants with legal work permits to address workforce demands, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey issued a warning to the mayor.
In a statement from Bailey’s office, it was announced on Thursday that a letter had been sent outlining the fact that knowingly transporting an illegal alien in the State of Missouri is considered a Class D felony.
Mayor Lucas clarified that there are a few key points that often get misunderstood by people. Firstly, he emphasized that anyone who wants to obtain a lawful work permit in Kansas City must already be lawfully present. It is important to note that when discussing migration or migrants, the mayor’s focus is not on the situation at the southern border, which can often be seen in videos of individuals crossing. Instead, he is specifically referring to the context of Kansas City.
Bailey argued that the mayor’s words fail to address “the root problem” despite Lucas’s attempt to clarify.
Bailey expressed his strong opposition to actively promoting Missouri businesses’ involvement in an inherently illegal program. He emphasized the potential legal consequences that businesses may face as a result. Additionally, Bailey made it clear that his office will take decisive legal action against any individual or entity found to be violating these statutes.
Lucas responded to Bailey’s letter by providing a statement to KSHB 41 news on Friday afternoon.
The State of Missouri controls policing in Kansas City. The only way Kansas City could ever become a so-called “sanctuary city” is if the Missouri legislature directs the police department to stop enforcing federal law, as the State tried and failed to do with the Second Amendment Preservation Act. Beyond that, Andrew Bailey’s letter is a political campaign press release with no legal effect, because, as he knows, he has no ability to supersede federal law. The mayor will continue to follow all state and federal laws while also building a Kansas City that welcomes all.
