GOP Senator Introduces Legislation Allowing Crime Victims to Sue Sanctuary Cities

Shortly after Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, two North Carolina lawmakers reignited the battle against sanctuary city policies by reintroducing legislation that could significantly reshape local immigration enforcement. Senator Thom Tillis and Representative Chuck Edwards have unveiled the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, aiming to give victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants the power to sue local governments that defy federal immigration cooperation.

This bold legislative move is part of the broader Republican agenda under Trump’s renewed leadership, focusing on tough immigration crackdowns—including enhanced deportation efforts, expanded ICE operations, and stricter accountability for local jurisdictions that resist federal immigration directives.

At the heart of the proposed bill is a controversial claim: that cities offering refuge to undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds put American lives at risk. The lawmakers argue that sanctuary policies, by refusing to honor ICE detainer requests or share key information about immigrants in custody, contribute to the release of dangerous individuals into the public.

“By ignoring detainer requests from federal immigration authorities, sanctuary cities are actively undermining public safety,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “These jurisdictions have released individuals with violent criminal records back into our neighborhoods.”

If passed, the legislation would allow victims—or their families—to sue city governments if they suffer harm due to the release of an undocumented immigrant who had a prior criminal record and was not turned over to ICE. The bill specifies that jurisdictions failing to comply with Department of Homeland Security detainer requests could be held financially accountable for any crimes committed as a result.

Rep. Edwards, who has repeatedly warned about the risks associated with sanctuary city policies, declared, “For years, sanctuary cities have shielded hundreds of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants from the consequences of their actions. That ends now. We cannot allow innocent Americans to pay the price for this kind of negligence.”

Sen. Tillis echoed those concerns, pointing to a pattern of disregard for ICE detainers in both North Carolina and across the country. “Time and again, we’ve seen violent offenders released because local governments chose politics over public safety,” he said.

Both lawmakers expressed strong support for Trump’s immigration policies and pledged to support his administration in enforcing stricter immigration laws. “I’m committed to standing with President Trump to put an end to illegal immigration and to push back against sanctuary cities that put citizens at risk,” Tillis stated.

The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act marks another major step in the GOP’s campaign to eliminate sanctuary jurisdictions, holding them accountable when their policies allegedly lead to harm. Supporters argue it’s a necessary measure to restore the rule of law and protect the American public from the unintended consequences of non-cooperation with immigration authorities.