Tackling illegal immigration and protecting Georgia families from criminal aliens is a fundamental component of my campaign for governor.
When I announced my candidacy in March of 2017, I told a standing-room-only crowd at the Cobb County Republican Party headquarters that it was time to draw a clear line in the sand on illegal immigration. “This is Georgia,” I said, “and we are going to put Georgians first.”
On the campaign trail, I talk often about suing the Obama Justice Department twice – and winning – to implement our citizenship check and photo ID laws. I have a clear, convincing record on fighting – and winning – for Georgians. As governor, I can – and will - do even more.
In addition to defunding sanctuary cities, ending taxpayer funded handouts for illegal immigrants, and standing with President Trump to secure our borders, I will work to shutdown Mexican drug cartels, MS-13, and other organized, criminal enterprises that have a growing, terrifying presence in our state.
According to Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields, 142 active gangs exist in Atlanta and countless more throughout Georgia. These gangs are putting heroin and meth on our streets. These violent criminals are spraying our neighborhoods with bullets, growing the sex trade, and killing innocent children for sport.
State and local law enforcement agencies are working around the clock – and risking their lives - to keep Georgians safe. Unfortunately, they don’t have the tools and resources to properly track criminal aliens – especially those with gang affiliations – and swiftly deport them from our jails and prisons.
After meeting with members of the GBI, local Sheriffs, and law enforcement officers, I created a proposal for a comprehensive database that would aggregate information from local, state, and federal resources so law enforcement can stop the proliferation of gangs, drugs, and violence.
The Criminal Alien Database is one of many policy proposals I crafted to move the needle and put hardworking Georgians first.
It’s not surprising that Georgia Democrats vocally oppose my plan. Democratic Party Chairman Dubose Porter immediately criticized my proposal and attacked my character. Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Evans was close behind with her objections. Clearly, they are more concerned with coddling violent gangbangers than sending criminal aliens back to their country of origin – away from our playgrounds, community centers, and schools.
Opposition from the left is nothing new to me. As Secretary of State, I took on Stacey Abrams, the ACLU, and out-of-state liberal groups to ensure secure, accessible, and fair elections. I’ll do the same as governor.
By implementing the Track and Deport plan, we can stand up to the criminal aliens who are threatening our future and stand with law enforcement leaders who are working to stop them. With a Criminal Alien Database, we will give officers and agents the resources to combat violence, stunt the spread of gangs, and end sex trafficking.
In California, two members of MS-13 – criminal aliens from El Salvador - are standing trial for kidnapping three young girls and murdering one as part of a satanic ritual. Sadly, these stories are all too common and the next victim will be in Georgia if we elect a politician who talks tough on illegal immigration but has no real plan or desire to shake up the status quo.
I have a comprehensive plan to track and deport criminal aliens, and an undeniable desire to keep Georgia families safe.
Brian Kemp is Georgia Secretary of State and a candidate for governor.
