A new bill focusing on accountability for sanctuary cities has been introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY). The initiative aims to counteract some Democratic policies and includes a letter from former President Donald Trump supporting the legislation.
The proposed law, unveiled on Wednesday, aims to amend regulations by making sanctuary cities accountable for breaches of federal law and for providing support to illegal immigrants. Specifically, it looks to prohibit student visas for institutions located in these jurisdictions, according to Hageman’s office.
“With the lack of support for secure borders, many areas have been compromised, and some of our so-called leaders have really undermined the law,” Hageman commented. “Rather than protecting their citizens, officials in sanctuary cities seem to prioritize those who are here illegally, sometimes even criminals belonging to international cartels.”
“This student visa ban holds those jurisdictions accountable and pressures them to adhere to rules that American legislators have established,” she added. Hageman won a significant Republican primary against former Congressman Liz Cheney in 2022.
Co-sponsors of the bill include Representatives Brandon Gill (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Troy Nehls (R-TX).
The text of the bill indicates that sanctuary jurisdictions are defined as those where local agencies refuse to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In her letter to Trump, Hageman expressed gratitude for his “bold leadership” in enforcing immigration laws and urged continued action against these sanctuary jurisdictions to enhance American security.
She applauded Trump’s Executive Order from April 28, which seeks to protect American communities from criminal elements, framing her bill as a necessary step toward stronger compliance with immigration enforcement.
Currently, at least 13 states, along with many cities and counties, identify as sanctuary jurisdictions, shielding illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement through various measures. The Congress and administrative branch have suggested policies to diminish the appeal of these sanctuary laws. The Executive Order aims to enforce compliance among such jurisdictions.
As your administration considers additional actions to uphold this executive order, I want to underscore the significance of the student visa ban in the Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill could facilitate immediate enforcement while Congress evaluates further legal remedies.
In a February interview with Breitbart News, Hageman criticized the government for serving elite interests instead of ordinary Americans, describing Cheney as part of a “globalist” agenda.
