Family of Kathryn Steinle to Sue Officials for Releasing Felon Who Killed Their Daughter

danjoseph | September 1, 2015
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The family of Kathryn Steinle-- the 30-year-old woman who was killed by an illegal immigrant in July--will press charges against San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, as well as against U.S.. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

Francisco Sanchez, who has admitted to the killing, was previoulsy released by Mirkarami, despite his illegal status and criminal record.  He had been deported on five separate occasions and had been convicted of seven felonies.  He had been behind bars as recently as last April, but was released when officials declined to press charges against him.  

San Francisco remains a "sanctuary city" where officials refuse to enforce many of the nation's immigration laws. In some cases, even when the illegal immigrant is a violent offender. 

Steinle's mother explained to a local San Francisco TV station that the system must be altered.

"It's something that needs to end. We don't need them here, not violent felons," Sullivan said. "They're violent felons and they're illegal, enough said. It's too late for us, that ship has sailed but we want it for future, possible victims. We've got to put an end to it."

Despite the national outcry over the city's failure to enforce the laws that would have prevented Steinle's death, Sheriff Mirkarimi continues to refuse to to hold ICE detainees after their release from San Francisco County Jail, arguing that informing ICE of an illegal immigrant's release violates the city's due process laws. 

The Steinles and their attorneys will hold news conference Tuesday at 11 a.m., Pacific Time.

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