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No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act
3/21/2025, 4:54 PM
Summary of Bill S 707
The bill states that any sanctuary jurisdiction that provides benefits to undocumented immigrants who are present in the United States without lawful status will be ineligible for federal funds that are meant to assist such individuals. This includes funds for healthcare, education, housing, and other social services.
Supporters of the bill argue that sanctuary jurisdictions should not be rewarded with federal funds for not cooperating with immigration authorities and potentially harboring criminals. They believe that this legislation will help ensure that federal funds are used appropriately and in accordance with immigration laws. Opponents of the bill argue that it unfairly punishes undocumented immigrants who are already vulnerable and in need of assistance. They believe that denying federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions will only worsen the living conditions of undocumented immigrants and create further division and fear within immigrant communities. Overall, Bill 119 s 707 is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of sanctuary jurisdictions in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 707
No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act
This 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 from
- maintaining, 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.
