Rep. Steve Smyk opposes what he calls "sanctuary " laws. These laws maintain that since immigration laws are federal laws, it's up to ICE to enforce them.
Many of us who live and vote in RD 20 don't share his opinion. We agree with Georgetown's Chief of Police R. L. Hughes who doesn't want his officers involved with immigration enforcement. "Immigration is federal - something that a federal agency should be handling. That is not for local, municipal, county and state police." (Delaware Public Radio, Feb. 2, 2017)
A difference of opinion is acceptable, but Rep. Smyk goes beyond the acceptable when he tells constituents at his monthly coffees that passing these laws leaves us vulnerable to terrorist threats.
Toward the close of his September coffee, Steve spoke about what he called the state sanctuary bill. He said if the bill passed it would mean police could be arrested for asking about country of origin. He also told a story of "four jumpers," people who jumped ship in Delaware, one of whom Rep. Smyk said had a packet and money and was a terrorist. He said he was telling this story because people need to know these people are here.
After Rep. Smyk's meeting I researched and found several reports and references. One report stated two Syrian refugees jumped ship; both were caught and turned over to ICE. They were seeking asylum. The younger one was found wearing a T-shirt, underwear and socks, according to the Pennsville, N.J. police chief. No mention was made of a packet or money. (News Journal – May 7, 2014)
A second account apparently was an effort to check the facts in something Rep. Smyk had been saying about terrorist ship jumpers. The article mentioned the two Syrians and mentioned a third man who had been working on a Panamanian freighter and abandoned ship in 2014. He was detained and given asylum in 2015. According to the authorities interviewed, very few people jump ship into the Delaware. These three men are the only incidents in five years. (Melissa Steele - Cape Gazette, April 26, 2016)
Rep. Smyk tends to suggest his connections as a former state trooper provide him with inside information the rest of us aren't privy to, and that the government doesn't want us to know. We are expected to take his word for the truth of whatever claim he is making. We have no way to confirm it since he gives no sources. If we question or show doubt we are dismissed as naïve or siding with lawbreakers.
In a recent letter to this paper, Sen. Bryan Townsend challenged Rep. Smyk's assertions and stated, "People deserve discussion, debate, and respectful disagreement based on facts, not distortions." In his response to Sen. Townsend's letter Rep. Smyk said "...space considerations will not allow me to address the senator's self-serving narrative point-by-point." He then went on for over 300 words to reproach Sen. Townsend for "manipulative partisan rhetoric."
Sen. Townsend offered to meet with Rep. Smyk in a public and neutral forum to discuss 'sanctuary laws.' If Rep. Smyk does not want to be seen as an elected official who fosters fear through innuendo he should agree to the forum so the voters in RD 20 can hear both sides.
That is the acceptable way for his constituents to form responsible opinions.
Deborah Schultz
Lewes
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