Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced a bill with 10 other Senate Republicans that would allow victims of migrant crime in sanctuary cities and/or states to file suit against those jurisdictions.
Tillis introduced S 185, Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025, on Jan. 23.
"For far too long, we have watched local jurisdictions in North Carolina and across the country ignore the lawful notification and detainer requests made by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] agents and instead release dangerous criminals back into their communities, putting innocent lives at risk," Tillis said in a release. "I am committed to working with President [Donald] Trump to end illegal immigration and fight sanctuary cities that prioritize reckless, lawless policies over public safety."
Tillis was joined in the effort by Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Katie Britt of Alabama, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Ted Cruz of Texas, Tim Sheehy of Montana, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Ted Budd of North Carolina.
"Sanctuary cities undermine the integrity of our legal system and jeopardize the safety of law-abiding citizens. Texas continues to bear the brunt of the crisis at our southern border. This bill sends a clear message: cities that prioritize politics over public safety will face consequences," Cruz said in a statement.
Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., is introducing companion legislation in the House.
Tillis' bill would establish a private right of action for any individual who is a victim of murder, rape, or any felony to bring action against any entity that declined to honor a lawful immigration detainer request for an illegal migrant by the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill also would "withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities if they continue to refuse to enforce federal immigration law and put American lives at risk."
"Sanctuary cities cannot continue to jeopardize Americans' safety without being held accountable for their role in the illegal immigrant crime crisis we are facing today," Edwards said in his release.