(Robin Titus) – As your Senate Minority Leader and a proud Nevadan, I am dedicated to ensuring our communities are safe havens for our families, businesses, and future generations.
Married to a retired Lyon County Sheriff, I’ve witnessed the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day.
That’s why I unequivocally and unapologetically back the blue and stand with Governor Joe Lombardo to champion public safety reforms in the 83rd Legislative Session.
However, I call on all Nevada law enforcement agencies to participate in the 287(g) program to enhance cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Nevada’s limited involvement in this effort is deeply disappointing.
I am proud that three of the six counties I represent—Douglas, Mineral, and Lyon (currently finalizing documentation)—are the only agencies in the state engaged in this important partnership.
Check active and pending participating law enforcement organizations here and here.
According to ICE’s website, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations operates three 287(g) models:
- The Jail Enforcement Model is designed to identify and process removable aliens — with criminal or pending criminal charges — who are arrested by state or local law enforcement agencies.
- The Task Force Model serves as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties.
- The Warrant Service Officer program allows ICE to train, certify and authorize state and local law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens in their agency’s jail.
Nevada has the highest number of illegal aliens per capita in the entire nation. So why do we pale in comparison to states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas, which boast near unanimous partnerships?
By fully committing to 287(g), Nevada can equip officers to identify, detain, and deport undocumented individuals who commit crimes, swiftly removing them from our communities.
This is essential for public safety, as unchecked criminal activity by illegal aliens fuels recurring threats plaguing our communities.
Nevada’s limited engagement undermines efforts to protect residents, leaving our neighborhoods at risk.
This is common sense, widely supported by all types of voters, and the universal political position of all parties up to a few years ago.
For example, recent polling by the Associated Press demonstrate support for deporting ALL criminal illegal aliens at 82% support with only 6% opposed.
There is simply no excuse not to make Nevadans safer, especially from those whose duty it is to protect our communities.
Separately, the Nevada Senate Republicans are committed to Making Crime Illegal Again. This includes reforming bail, supporting victims, and equipping law enforcement with the tools they need.
Our comprehensive legislative package counters past soft-on-crime policies and delivers real protections for Nevadans.
Leading the effort is Governor Lombardo’s Senate Bill 457 – Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act.
This flagship legislation strengthens public safety with key provisions to:
- Deter Theft: Lower the felony theft threshold from $1,200 to $750, ensuring thieves face tougher consequences for property crimes.
- Combat Fentanyl Trafficking: Increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl, holding dealers accountable for this deadly crisis.
- Toughen DUI Penalties: Enhance penalties for driving under the influence causing death, protecting lives on our roads.
- Strengthen Bail Rules: Impose enhanced penalties (1–20 years) for felonies committed while on bail, keeping repeat offenders off our streets.
- Enhance Penalties for Serious Crimes: Increase punishments for stalking (including electronic means), possession of child pornography (each image as a separate offense), and burglary (business, motor vehicle, or structure).
Senate Republicans have also brought critical bills to bolster public safety:
- Senate Bill 110: Increases penalties for facilitating sex trafficking, with stricter sentences based on victim age to protect vulnerable Nevadans.
- Senate Bill 127: Requires first responders to complete human trafficking awareness training, equipping law enforcement to combat trafficking.
- Senate Bill 131: An act relating to education, requiring the Department of Education to develop curriculum standards on the prevention of sex/human trafficking. This includes strategies for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking, how to seek help if a student feels they are in danger.
- Senate Bill 163: Mandates bail revocation for defendants committing felonies while on release, ensuring dangerous offenders remain detained.
- Senate Bill 202: Criminalizes using false rental agreements for squatters to seize property from its owner(s).
- Senate Bill 213: Expands the crime of unlawful dissemination and distribution of an intimate image to include certain acts like the distribution of “deep fakes”, computer generated images.
- Senate Bill 223: Imposes life sentences or harsher penalties for sex trafficking children, safeguarding our youth from predators.
- Senate Bill 231: Establishes requirements governing the maintenance of secure drug take back bins.
- Senate Bill 267: Revises provisions relating to law enforcement, requires county or city jails to provide the names of criminals to immigration authorities. Helps keep illegal criminals off our streets.
- Senate Bill 302: Authorizes county sheriffs to partner with federal agencies to enforce state laws, strengthening law enforcement’s capabilities.
- Senate Bill 304: Removes the requirement of three prior DUI convictions to charge someone with vehicular homicide, allowing charges based on a single fatal DUI incident. It also increases penalties for DUI offenses causing substantial bodily harm, including up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
These bills, paired with SB 457’s sweeping reforms, send a clear message: Nevada prioritizes citizens and law enforcement over criminals.
However, the Democrat-controlled legislature may resist these common-sense measures.
As a physician, mother, and grandmother, I know safe communities are the cornerstone of Nevada’s future.
As a conservative, I’m committed to upholding the rule of law and empowering our law enforcement. Let’s unite to back the blue and build a safer Nevada for all.
To follow along and participate in the legislative process, please go to the NELIS website below that serves as the Legislature’s homepage.
- NELIS (Nevada Electronic Legislative Information System)
If you aren’t sure what district you live in, use this link to find your representatives: HERE.
Sen. Titus represents District: 17 which covers the counties of Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral, and Nye (part). The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views.
