WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis, alongside Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Ted Budd (R-NC), introduced the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, legislation that would fight sanctuary policies and provide justice for the victims and their families who are harmed when sanctuary jurisdictions put public safety in danger. 

“For far too long, we have watched local jurisdictions in North Carolina and across the country ignore the lawful notification and detainer requests made by ICE agents and instead release dangerous criminals back into their communities, putting innocent lives at risk,” said Senator Tillis. “I am committed to working with President Trump to end illegal immigration and fight sanctuary cities that prioritize reckless, lawless policies over public safety. It is clear that liberal politicians want to put political ideology ahead of the safety of their constituents. It is time for Congress to step in and hold sanctuary cities accountable.” 

“We saw what happened when the last administration refused to secure the border and when cities harbored criminals illegally. Neither kept our communities safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We are working hand in hand with President Trump’s border security agenda.”

“Sanctuary cities protect violent criminals from federal law enforcement and should be held accountable,” said Senator Cramer. “A family harmed by an illegal immigrant should have the right to sue city leaders who refused to comply with federal law enforcement. President Trump’s top priority is public safety and our bill helps deter activist cities opposed to following the law.” 

“For far too long, radical sanctuary cities have given criminal illegal aliens a safe haven at the expense of the safety and security of American citizens and our communities,” said Senator Britt. “Senate Republicans are committed to working with the Trump Administration to restore commonsense immigration enforcement and border policies to protect our nation. The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act is the next step in this process—forcing sanctuary cities and states to face consequences for the devastating effects of their open border policies.”

“This is a matter of public safety and the rule of law. It’s long past time that cities who refuse to enforce our immigration laws face legal consequences,” said Senator Budd. “When laws are not enforced, preventable tragedies occur. That has to stop. Our bill will put lawless cities on notice and make sure they enforce our laws and keep our streets safe. I’d like to thank Senator Tillis for leading these efforts.” 

“Sanctuary cities undermine the integrity of our legal system and jeopardize the safety of law-abiding citizens. Texas continues to bear the brunt of the crisis at our southern border. This bill sends a clear message: cities that prioritize politics over public safety will face consequences. It provides victims and their families with a path to justice, holds cities accountable for their dangerous sanctuary policies, and strengthens cooperation between local and federal law enforcement. I am proud to join Senator Tillis and my colleagues in advancing this critical legislation. It’s time to prioritize the safety of our communities," said Sen. Cruz.

Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“For far too long, sanctuary cities have shielded many of the nearly 650,000 criminal illegal immigrants in the United States from facing the consequences for their violent crimes against innocent Americans,” said Rep. Edwards. “Sanctuary cities cannot continue to jeopardize Americans’ safety and not be held accountable for their role in the illegal immigrant crime crisis we are facing today. The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act will finally hold these communities responsible when their harmful, often illegal, policies result in a crime against an American citizen by allowing the victim to take legal action against counties, cities, or towns for the dangerous policies that directly led to their harm.”

Background:

Specifically, the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act establishes a private right of action for any individual, spouse, parent or child who is a victim of murder, rape or any felony (as defined by the State), to bring an action against a State or political subdivision of a State if the entity declined to honor a lawful immigration detainer request for an alien by the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, this legislation would require a State or political subdivision of a State to waive immunity as a condition of receiving certain federal grants. 

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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