No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act
No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act (HR 32) **What It Would Do** This bill would withhold federal funding from states and cities that have "sanctuary" policies—laws or practices that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Specifically, it would deny federal funds intended to benefit undocumented immigrants to any jurisdiction that restricts sharing immigration status information with federal authorities, refuses to comply with federal immigration detainers (requests to hold individuals for immigration enforcement), or doesn't notify federal immigration officials when someone is released from custody. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily targets sanctuary jurisdictions and the communities they serve. It would impact local governments in states like California and New York, as well as major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City that have adopted sanctuary policies. The funding restrictions would affect programs and services in these areas, though the exact impact depends on how broadly federal funds are interpreted. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
Sponsored by Republican Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, it reflects ongoing political debate over immigration enforcement and the proper role of state and local police in federal immigration matters. Supporters argue it ensures federal cooperation on immigration, while opponents contend it pressures local law enforcement to act as immigration agents and risks community safety and trust.
CRS Official Summary
No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities ActThis bill makes a state or political subdivision of a state ineligible for any federal funds that the jurisdiction intends to use to benefit non-U.S. nationals (i.e., aliens under federal law) who are unlawfully present if the jurisdiction withholds information about citizenship or immigration status or does not cooperate with immigration detainers.Specifically, such funds are denied to any jurisdiction that has a law, policy, or practice that prohibits or restricts any government entity frommaintaining, sending, or receiving information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual;exchanging information regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status with a federal, state, or local government entity; complying with a valid immigration detainer from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); or notifying DHS about an individual's release from custody.The funding restriction does not apply to a law, policy, or practice that only applies to an individual who comes forward as a victim of or a witness to a criminal offense.DHS must annually provide to specified congressional committees a list of jurisdictions that have failed to comply with a DHS detainer or have failed to notify DHS of an individual’s release.The funding restriction begins 60 days after the bill's enactment or on the first day of the fiscal year following the bill's enactment, whichever is earlier.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.