In some ways they are. In many jurisdictions, traffic tickets are ignored. Those dependent on handouts for their livelihood can commit moderate offenses (not gross felonies) without a hit to that livelihood, unlike a normal productive citizen who would be put through the ringer. Their children can go to many state schools and receive in-state tuition. And so on... we could start a list.
Mexican DUI vehicles are not even towed in many cities, but American DUI vehicles absolutely are. Why? Because Mexicans will simply abandon their cars, so there is no money in it to impound them.
It’s not about safety or sovereignty. It’s solely about money.