Bill would allow victims to sue sanctuary cities

Senate Republicans announced new legislation Tuesday that would allow victims of illegal immigrant crimes to sue sanctuary cities for damages.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, would create a private right of action for the victims. And it would punish states or localities that try to hide behind sovereign immunity by withholding block grant money.

Mr. Tillis said the bill is a “direct response” to moves by North Carolina authorities to refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

In one instance the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office released an illegal immigrant charged with trying to strangle a woman in a domestic violence incident.

The bill would for the first time define in law what a sanctuary city is. As it stands, the bill would deem jurisdictions that refuse to notify ICE of the impending release of deportations target, or who refuse to detain targets for pickup, as sanctuaries.

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