As the Trump administration intensifies its efforts against sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide, Texas Republican Chip Roy has put forward one of the most stringent anti-sanctuary city proposals to date.
This proposed legislation, known as the Sanctuary Penalties and Public Protection Act, would eliminate federal funding for sanctuary areas that limit cooperation with Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roy, alongside fellow Republican Slate, has introduced a bill that surpasses previous attempts to combat sanctuary policies.
If this bill becomes law, it would penalize jurisdictions that hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities and cut federal funds to places that don’t comply regarding immigrant detainees. Additionally, it would bar the Attorney General and the Department of Homeland Security from interviewing legal immigrants to assess their legal status or any potential criminal activities.
“We need to prioritize law and order,” Roy stated. “Sanctuary jurisdictions have been neglecting their duty to public safety by shielding illegal immigrants, including some who pose threats, from federal law enforcement. This puts our communities at risk.”
The proposed law would withhold federal funding from locales where officials alert undocumented immigrants about impending ICE operations or advise local law enforcement against arresting previously deported individuals, according to Roy’s office.
“These unfortunate events can be avoided, and it is essential for responsible state and local authorities to face repercussions for jeopardizing the safety of law-abiding Americans,” Roy continued.
The bill has garnered support from several Republican co-sponsors, including Texas representatives Randy Weber and Michael McCole, along with Barry Moore from Alabama, Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin, and others.
The Hawk Group, focused on border issues, is urging Congress to support this legislation and bring it to fruition.
“The sanctuary policy goes against federal law, endangers American lives, and invites criminal activity from foreign nationals,” stated RJ Hauman, chairman of the National Center for Enforcement. “The Sanctuary Pension and Public Protection Act targets these unlawful jurisdictions where it counts: financially.”
“By establishing a national database and cutting funds, this bill aims to restore accountability and prioritize public safety,” Hauman added. “Cities and counties have made their choice long ago; they can support the law or risk losing federal funding. Kudos to Representative Roy for his efforts.”
In addition to support from Hauman’s organization, various groups like the U.S. Federation of Immigration Reforms and the Texas Public Policy Foundation have backed the legislation.
This bill proposes creating a public database listing all sanctuary jurisdictions in the nation, a request already made by the Trump administration.
Earlier this month, the Department of Justice revealed a comprehensive list identifying 13 states, four counties, and 18 cities classified as sanctuary jurisdictions due to laws and policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration officials.
In July, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against New York City leaders regarding the city’s sanctuary law, adding to a growing list of federal lawsuits targeting cities like Chicago and Los Angeles for their anti-ICE policies.
This mounting pressure has already influenced some cities; in July, the mayor of Louisville announced compliance with ICE’s 48-hour detainee requests in response to concerns over immigrant crime.
Roy expressed hope that this new legislation would amplify pressure and push for compliance from sanctuary jurisdictions, stating, “It’s about time Congress reevaluates the legal standing of federal taxpayer dollars being withheld in these cases and ensures there is accountability for misuse.”
