U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on July 9 introduced legislation to provide a civil remedy for individuals and their families harmed by sanctuary jurisdiction policies.
“It’s time we put the public safety of our citizens above the sanctuary of an immigrant who has come to our country illegally,” said Sen. Blackburn.
Sen. Tillis sponsored the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, S. 2059, with five original cosponsors, including Sens. Blackburn and Ernst, to hold sanctuary jurisdictions accountable for non-compliance with specific requests made by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials.
“It’s disturbing to see sheriffs across North Carolina establish sanctuary jurisdictions releasing dangerous individuals back into communities while refusing to notify federal immigration officials,” Sen. Tillis said. “If politicians want to prioritize reckless sanctuary policies over public safety, they should also be willing to provide just compensation for the victims.”
If enacted, S. 2059 would establish a private right of civil action for victims and their family members who suffered from violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in sanctuary jurisdictions, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.
“Our nation’s laws exist for a reason,” said Sen. Blackburn. “When a sanctuary city or state recklessly decides to harbor illegal immigrants who may commit crimes against innocent Americans, the families of those victims deserve the right to seek compensation from those jurisdictions.”
Among several other provisions, S. 2059 also would withhold Community Development Block Grant funds from any sanctuary jurisdiction that refused to waive its immunity to sanctuary-related civil action, the summary says.
Sen. Ernst said that when sanctuary jurisdictions don’t cooperate with law enforcement, they are jeopardizing overall community safety.
“This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed,” Sen. Ernst said. “Our common sense bill will put a check on these sanctuary jurisdictions, provide a pathway for victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants to seek justice, and enhance and promote public safety.”