Rep. Cook Co-Sponsors Bill to Reimburse Local Law Enforcement for Costs of Incarcerating Criminal Illegal Immigrants

WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) announced he has signed on as a cosponsor to HR 5035, a bill which will reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP).

SCAAP is a grant program that reimburses states and local governments for the cost of incarcerating illegal immigrants convicted of crimes. By law, the federal government is responsible for immigration enforcement, including the incarceration of undocumented criminal offenders. When this is not possible, the law requires the federal government to compensate local governments for the costs of incarceration. Five states, one of which is California, incarcerate 60 percent of all criminal alien offenders. However, the federal government is not providing their share of the cost.

Cook said, “As the cost to incarcerate undocumented criminals continues to rise, funding from the federal government has continued to decline. California shouldn’t be left with the bill. The federal government needs to carry their share of the burden. That’s why I’m supporting this bill which authorizes the program through 2020.”

A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.