Latest news with #JamesDeSana
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSana introduces sanctuary city bill package
LANSING — State Representative James DeSana, R-Carleton, introduced state legislation with other Republican representatives that would ban sanctuary city policies in Michigan. "We want to send a very clear message that illegal immigration is a problem and that all of our municipalities and law-enforcement agencies should be cooperating with immigration to prevent crime, to prevent [illegal immigrants] from coming crimes against American citizens," he said. The plan aims to prohibit local governments in Michigan - cities, counties, townships, etc. - from adopting or enforcing sanctuary policies that shield individuals residing in the country illegally from federal immigration enforcement. It would also make cities who continue enforcing sanctuary policies ineligible for enhancement grants. More: DeSana moves to repeal "Red Flag" laws "Michigan dollars should be focused on helping our seniors, schools, working families, and people who are working hard to get back on their feet, not individuals who have entered illegally and skipped the process to stay here," DeSana said. The resolution laid out by the bill package defines a sanctuary municipality as any county or city that "actively maintains any rule, policy, ordinance, or resolution that would subvert immigration enforcement in any way or that refuses to comply with federal immigration enforcement measures." — Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: State Rep. DeSana introduces bills outlawing sanctuary cities
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSana moves to repeal "Red Flag" laws
LANSING — State Representative James DeSana, R-Carleton, introduced a bill package recently to repeal the "Red Flag" laws that were signed into Michigan law last year. According to a release, DeSana is against the Extreme Risk Protection Orders because they allow courts to seize firearms from an individual if they're accused to being a risk to themselves or others with no right to a hearing before the action. "Really when you come to the bottom line... the 5th and the 14th amendments are still in existence," he said. "We can't wipe out the 5th and 14th amendment to due process. We just flip the American legal system upside down by saying 'you no longer have due process.'" According to DeSana, laws like the Baker Act and the 5150 hold procedure already provided ways for people who pose potential danger to be held for their and others' safety with due process. "Where as with Red Flag, it's just an accusation and you don't even get to face your accuser," he said. McCenzie Mento, owner of Supermatch G&A LLC in Newport, is against the laws because he knows people who would've had their guns taken away under false pretense if they had been on the books in the past. "Whether it was divorce or something like that," he said. "An upset spouse or a mad ex could call up the local sheriff's office or police department and claim they were looking to do something dumb or stupid even though it's not true." HB 4138-4140 were introduced on February 26 and referred to House Committee on Judiciary for further consideration. — You can reach Connor Veenstra at cveenstra@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Carleton representative DeSana moves to repeal "Red Flag" laws
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. DeSana introduces bills to repeal Michigan's red flag gun laws
Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) on the House Floor on Nov. 9, 2023. | Kyle Davidson Legislation to overturn Michigan's red flag laws that allow judges to remove guns from people deemed dangerous has been introduced in the GOP-controlled state House. State Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) introduced a pair of bills last week to repeal laws establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders that Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law in 2023. 'The Red Flag laws are a direct violation of our Second Amendment rights,' said DeSana. 'These poorly written laws strip away our rights without the opportunity for individuals to defend themselves.' The bills were passed while Democrats controlled both the state House and Senate, and were among a slate of gun safety bills that also instituted universal background checks for all gun sales in Michigan and required safe storage of firearms and ammunition. But with Republicans regaining control of the House in November, DeSana used the bill introduction to issue a press release saying the hearing process was 'flawed, one-sided, and undermines due process,' which he said was unconstitutional. 'No one should lose their rights without the chance to defend themselves in court. We need to act and restore the rights of Michiganders by overturning these awful policies,' said DeSana. However, the process set up by the legislation does require any order to temporarily prohibit people from accessing firearms be approved by a judge. Introduced after the Feb. 13, 2023, mass shooting at Michigan State University that killed three students, the legislation allows family members, law enforcement and other individuals to bring an ERPO request to a judge if the person in question is believed to present a danger to themselves or others. A recent report from the State Court Administrative Office found that in 2024, a total of 391 ERPO requests were made with 287 being approved, while denials were issued for 84 of the requests as the law requires petitioners to present a factual case showing imminent danger if the person is in possession of firearms. Advocacy group End Gun Violence Michigan urged supporters to contact their lawmakers and tell them the 'red flag law is saving lives and that we can't afford to go backwards.' House Bills 4138, 4139, and 4140 were introduced on Feb. 26 and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. While Republicans control the House, the legislation is unlikely to see passage through the Democratic-run Senate, much less be signed by Whitmer. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
