Kate Steinle's family continues push for immigration reform

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The family of Kate Steinle is continuing to push for tougher immigration laws while mourning her death. Today, her brother and father brought their messages to two different audiences in New York and Washington D.C.

On this morning's "The View" there was a serious tone in between the normal light hearted discussions about the life and death of Kate Steinle. Whoopi Goldberg and Nicolle Wallace discussed the sanctuary city status of San Francisco with Kate's brother Brad Steinle and his wife.

The man who admitted to shooting Kate, Francisco Sanchez, had been released by San Francisco authorities despite a request from federal immigration officials to keep him detained. Brad criticized the policy that allowed a convicted felon with five deportations to remain on the streets.

"Essentially he's saying felons, come to my city. This is where you'll be safe. And we will not hand you over to the federal government where you will be deported," said Brad Steinle.

On Capitol Hill, Kate's father, Jim Steinle, testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee.

Republicans are pushing for legislation punishing sanctuary cities by denying federal funding and also harsher penalties for deportees who return to the U.S. Meanwhile, Jim Steinle had the same message for the representatives that he gave senators on Tuesday.

"We feel if Kate's law saves one daughter, one son, a father or mother. Kate's death won't be in vain," said Jim Steinle.

Democrats were supportive of Jim Steinle's call for change, but believe that comprehensive immigration reform would be a better solution rather than punishing sanctuary cities.

Click here for full coverage on the Pier 14 shooting.

Steinle's family and coworkers have set up online fundraising pages to raise money for charities that were important to her. Click here for details on her family's page and click here for information on her coworkers' page.