Bill to block grant funding to sanctuary cities introduced in House, Senate

Reps. Diane Black (R-TN) and Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced this week the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which aims to block any grant funding to cities or localities that ignore federal law by withholding information on illegal immigrants from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The act would aim to forbid the Community Development Block Grant, certain Economic Development Administration grants, and grants for public works for cities found in violation of the law.

The bill specifically designates a sanctuary city as any locality that disallows law enforcement from sharing information with federal immigration agencies, which makes it more difficult for federal authorities to deport individuals who are present in the country illegally.

“Across this country, sanctuary cities are thumbing their nose at Congress, flouting our laws, and endangering the lives of their citizens – all while relying on federal funding from American taxpayers,” Black said. “Why on earth would we continue to pay cities for neglecting their most basic duties? It defies logic and demands action. With our bill, sanctuary cities will finally incur real penalties for playing politics with public safety and for willfully ignoring federal immigration laws.”

The bill’s introduction comes in response to recent reports that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel intended to establish a $1 million legal defense fund for undocumented immigrants who are facing deportation by a court. Shortly after Emanuel’s announcement, the city of Los Angeles established a similar defense fund.

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“The safety of the people of Pennsylvania is too important for any more delay,” Toomey said. “I call on Congress to put public safety first and enact the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act.”