Texas Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R) is calling out sanctuary cities for receiving federal funds, commenting that that such policies put criminals before law-abiding citizens and endanger public safety.
During an appearance on the Mark Davis Show, Rep. Van Duyne criticized cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement while still accepting federal funds.
“If you are one of those cities who have said, ‘you know what, we’re going to protect our criminals over our citizens,’ we’re not going to fight crime in our city, then you should not be eligible to receive these federal dollars because it is costing the federal government more money to help clean up your city,” she commented.
It’s painfully clear that sanctuary cities endanger families and law enforcement officers. If you’re a city leader who decides to put criminals over citizens, you shouldn’t be eligible to receive federal dollars. Simple as that! @MarkDavis pic.twitter.com/DJwO6VUqGU
— Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (@RepBethVanDuyne) February 9, 2025
The Texas Republican emphasized the increased burden placed on federal law enforcement agencies due to sanctuary policies, referencing “Border Czar” Tom Homan’s stance on the issue.
“Tom Homan has been very clear. We are not going to prevent sanctuary city policies from preventing us from doing our job. But it is a lot more costly, it’s a lot more timely, and it’s a lot more dangerous,” she expressed. “If those cities are putting that onto the federal law enforcement officers, there should be a penalty to pay.”
President Donald Trump’s (R) immigration orders have received widespread condemnation from Democrats, which has pitted Homan with Democratic leadership across the country.
On X, Rep. Van Duyne shared the segment of her interview, writing that “It’s painfully clear that sanctuary cities endanger families and law enforcement officers. If you’re a city leader who decides to put criminals over citizens, you shouldn’t be eligible to receive federal dollars. Simple as that!”
Conservative lawmakers argue that sanctuary city policies limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, which has remained a divisive issue in national politics. Republicans argue that these policies shield dangerous criminals, but Democrats and immigrant rights advocates defend them as necessary to protect communities and build trust between immigrants and law enforcement.
