New GOP Bills Would Withhold Federal Funds From Sanctuary Cities
Sen. Rick Scott is introducing new legislation aimed at cutting off federal funding to sanctuary cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The Florida Republican’s proposal, called the Unifying American Security Interests Act, would tie eligibility for federal grants to compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Under the bill, jurisdictions would be required to honor ICE detainers, share information with federal authorities, and participate in joint training with immigration officers in order to receive federal funds.
Scott is also rolling out a second measure, the Sanctuary Jurisdiction Event Security Enhancement Act.
That bill would block sanctuary jurisdictions from receiving federal funding for event security through the Department of Homeland Security’s Special Event Assessment Rating program.
Scott framed the legislation as a response to policies he says prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens.
“Democrat politicians are putting illegal aliens first and the American people last,” Scott said.
“President Trump is doing his part by securing the border, now Congress must pass my bills to hold sanctuary cities and states accountable,” he added.
The push comes as President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to strip federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions as part of his broader immigration crackdown.
Trump has argued that such policies protect criminals and undermine public safety.
“It breeds fraud and crime and all of the other problems that come,” Trump said previously.
The issue has gained renewed attention following recent crimes involving illegal immigrants in sanctuary areas.
In Virginia, federal officials are urging local authorities not to release a suspect accused of groping multiple teenage girls at a high school.
The 19-year-old suspect, who entered the United States in 2024, faces multiple assault and battery charges.
Homeland Security officials have warned that releasing the suspect could put more victims at risk.
“We are calling on Fairfax County sanctuary politicians to NOT release this predator,” said DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.
The case has also drawn criticism toward Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, whose policies have limited cooperation with ICE.
Local officials in Fairfax County say they do not obstruct ICE from acting on detainers but stopped short of committing to proactively coordinate with federal authorities.
ICE has been notified of the suspect’s detention and can take custody if he is released.
Republicans argue that situations like this highlight the need for stronger federal action to ensure local jurisdictions cooperate with immigration enforcement.
Scott’s legislation is expected to intensify the debate over sanctuary policies as Congress weighs additional immigration measures.