18 U.S.C. § 3 - Accessory After the Fact:
“Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, receives, relieves, comforts or assists the
offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial or punishment,
is an accessory after the fact.
Except as otherwise expressly provided by any Act
of Congress, an accessory after the fact shall be imprisoned not more than
one-half the maximum term of imprisonment or (notwithstanding section 3571)
fined not more than one-half the maximum fine prescribed for the punishment of
the principal, or both; or if the principal is punishable by life imprisonment
or death, the accessory shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years.”
If you or I were harboring and feeding someone we knew had
committed a crime and didn't report them to the proper authorities, we would be
imprisoned.
Why are sanctuary cities, which house individuals in jails,
provide them with food, and then release them without notifying immigration
authorities for trial and punishment, not considered in violation of this
federal law?
