John Cornyn Seeks to Eliminate Sanctuary Cities

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) has introduced the Sanctuary City Elimination Act, legislation aimed at strengthening coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities while penalizing jurisdictions that limit such cooperation.

The bill would ensure that state and local law enforcement officers can work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without fear of legal consequences. It would also block certain federal funding streams, ranging from education to community development grants, for jurisdictions that adopt sanctuary policies.

"For far too long, sanctuary cities across the nation have sidestepped federal immigration law... putting the safety and security of Americans at risk," said Cornyn.

The legislation comes shortly after the Houston City Council passed an ordinance limiting local police coordination with ICE, a move that has intensified debate over immigration enforcement at the local level.

In addition to restricting funding, the bill creates a legal pathway for victims of crimes committed by undocumented individuals who were released from sanctuary jurisdictions and later reoffended elsewhere. These provisions would allow affected individuals, and in some cases, states, to pursue legal action.

The measure is co-sponsored by several Republican senators, including John Barrasso (R-PA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Eric Schmitt(R-MO).

Supporters argue the legislation reinforces public safety and the rule of law by aligning local enforcement with federal immigration policy. Critics, however, have historically raised concerns that such measures could strain community trust in law enforcement and reduce cooperation from immigrant communities.

Cornyn's proposal reflects a broader national push to curb sanctuary policies by leveraging federal funding and legal accountability, setting up a renewed policy and legal battle over the balance between federal immigration enforcement and local governance.