Pontiac Times

State Rep. Donni Steele, from Orion Township, has voiced her support for a House Republican initiative aimed at cracking down on criminals associated with transnational crime syndicates infiltrating the United States. Steele expressed her concerns about criminal organizations from Central and South America exploiting the border crisis and weak federal immigration laws to carry out illegal activities in various states, including Michigan.

Steele emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "People shouldn’t have to be afraid inside their own homes. We need to do whatever we can to end this madness before someone gets killed." She highlighted the impact of international criminals on local communities, particularly on the safety and security of residents.

The proposed House Bill 5650 seeks to enhance penalties for crimes committed in support of transnational crime organizations, such as those operating in Oakland County. Additionally, the bill aims to increase penalties for felonies committed by individuals who re-enter the country illegally after being deported.

Steele also criticized Governor Whitmer's policies, particularly the allocation of taxpayer funds to assist individuals who entered the country illegally. She expressed her disapproval, stating, "No budget should prioritize people who came here illegally over the health and wellbeing of our taxpayers." Steele argued that taxpayer money should be directed towards essential services like infrastructure and law enforcement, rather than supporting immigrants who have circumvented legal channels.

The bill, House Bill 5650, has been officially enrolled in the House and is set to be referred to a committee for further review in the upcoming week. The ongoing efforts to address the threat posed by international crime syndicates in Michigan reflect a growing concern among state officials about the safety and security of local communities in the face of transnational criminal activities.