Texas Lawmaker Proposes Strict Anti-Sanctuary City Legislation
With ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions, Texas Republican Chip Roy has put forward new laws targeting these areas, featuring the most stringent measures seen to date.
The proposed Sanctuary Penalties and Public Protection Act aims to cut federal funding for jurisdictions that have policies limiting cooperation with Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roy’s bill, backed by fellow Republican lawmakers, represents a significant escalation from earlier anti-sanctuary proposals.
If the bill becomes law, it will penalize jurisdictions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement, aiming to cut off funding for those that don’t comply with orders regarding detained immigrants. Moreover, it would prevent federal authorities like the Attorney General or the Department of Homeland Security from interviewing legal immigrants about their status or any potential crimes.
In a statement, Roy emphasized the importance of prioritizing law and order. “Sanctuary jurisdictions have compromised public safety by shielding illegal immigrants—sometimes dangerous individuals—from arrest and deportation, allowing them to repeatedly violate laws within our communities,” he noted.
The legislation would withhold federal funds from places where officials provide warnings to illegal immigrants about upcoming ICE operations or instruct local police not to detain previously deported individuals.
Roy further asserted that such incidents are preventable and unacceptable, insisting that state and local governments should be held accountable for placing law-abiding citizens at risk through their policies.
Other Republican co-sponsors of the bill include lawmakers from various states, indicating broad support within the party. Additionally, the Hawk Group, which focuses on border issues, is urging Congress to pass the bill promptly.
RJ Hauman, chairman of the National Center for Enforcement, expressed strong disapproval of sanctuary policies, stating that they violate federal law and endanger American lives. He emphasized that the new legislation would promote accountability and prioritize public safety.
Roy’s bill also calls for the creation of a national database listing all sanctuary jurisdictions, aligning with requests from the Trump administration. Earlier in August, the Department of Justice released a comprehensive list of various states and cities identified as sanctuaries for illegal immigrants.
The Trump administration has pursued legal action against New York City officials over their sanctuary law, adding to a growing list of lawsuits aimed at cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. Some progress has occurred, as evidenced by Louisville’s mayor recently agreeing to comply with ICE’s requests regarding detainees.
Roy is optimistic about increasing pressure for compliance among sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. “It’s time for Congress to eliminate federal funding for these jurisdictions that disregard the law,” he stated.
