Tillis Co-Sponsors Bill To End Dangerous Sanctuary City Policies | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Thom Tillis co-sponsored the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, which would put an end to dangerous sanctuary city policies that forbid local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, even when they wish to do so.

    "It's inconceivable that cities across America blatantly ignore federal immigration laws and instead choose to harbor dangerous criminals who are here illegally," said Senator Tillis. "The status quo is simply unacceptable, and this commonsense legislation is about enforcing existing immigration laws and protecting the public."

    The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act would withhold certain non-law enforcement federal grant funds from "sanctuary cities" - jurisdictions that forbid their local law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials, even when they wish to do so.

    The legislation also addresses court decisions that may leave local police and municipalities liable when they assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but the DHS has made an error. The measure preserves an individual's right to sue if a law enforcement officer commits any violation of the individual's civil or constitutional rights. However, his measure ensures that if the federal government committed the error or violated a right, the individual sues the federal government, not a local official acting in good faith and in compliance with a request from the DHS. The legislation also provides a safe harbor for jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration officials with regard to persons in the country illegally who come forward as victims or witnesses to a crime.

    The legislation is supported by:

• · Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
• · International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO
• · National Association of Police Organizations

• Contact: Daniel Keylin
•     daniel_keylin@tillis.senate.gov