U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards has reintroduced the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, aiming to address crimes committed by illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities. Senator Thom Tillis is spearheading a companion bill in the Senate.
Congressman Edwards stated, “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 for too many years. Sanctuary cities cannot continue to jeopardize Americans’ safety without being held accountable for their role in the illegal immigrant crime crisis we are facing today. The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act that I’m re-introducing will finally hold these communities responsible when their harmful, illegal policies result in a crime against an American citizen, and will allow the victim to take legal action against counties, cities, or towns for the dangerous policies that directly led to their harm.”
Senator Tillis remarked, “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 proposed legislation seeks to penalize sanctuary cities by withholding federal funds if they do not comply with federal immigration laws. Additionally, it would permit victims or their families to sue state or local governments if these entities fail to honor lawful immigration detainer requests from the Department of Homeland Security.
