Republicans introduce bill to sue sanctuary cities for crimes committed by illegal immigrants

Senator Thom Tillis proposed legislation that would allow victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants to sue cities and states that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The bill, titled "Sanctuary Cities Victims Justice Act of 2025" (S.185), was introduced in the Senate with the backing of 10 other Republican lawmakers. Tillis argued that some jurisdictions have ignored detainer requests from ICE agents, leading to the release of individuals with criminal records into their communities.

Bill to bolster public safety

The initiative seeks to allow victims or their family members to file a lawsuit against a sanctuary state or city if an immigrant, previously detained and released by that jurisdiction, commits a felony such as murder, rape or another crime carrying a minimum prison sentence of one year.

The bill also establishes a time limit of up to 10 years to file suit from the time of the crime or death of the victim. In addition, it proposes withholding federal funds from jurisdictions that continue to fail to abide by federal immigration laws.

Tillis emphasized that the legislation aims to strengthen public safety and prevent cities from prioritizing policies he believes put citizens at risk. In a statement, he expressed his intention to collaborate with former President Donald Trump to address illegal immigration and hold sanctuary cities accountable.