Cruz, Tillis, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Policies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and colleagues introduced the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. This bill fights sanctuary policies and provides justice for victims who have been harmed by them.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “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.”
Sen. Tillis said, “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. 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.”
The legislation was also co-sponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.). Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Read the bill text here.
BACKGROUND
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.
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