Capito, Colleagues Reintroduce the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act

Press Release

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and other colleagues to reintroduce the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, legislation that holds sanctuary jurisdictions accountable for failing to comply with lawful detainer and release notification requests made by federal authorities and jeopardizing public safety.

The legislation creates a private right of civil action for the victims of sanctuary jurisdictions, allowing them to bring an action for compensatory damages against the sanctuary jurisdiction as a result of a violent crime committed by an illegal immigrant. Any sanctuary city or jurisdiction that refuses to waive its immunity as it relates to sanctuary-related civil action would be subject to the withholding of certain Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

"We must make certain that there is effective communication between our law enforcement community and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ignoring the rule of law leads to senseless tragedy, and those responsible must be held accountable. I'm pleased to reintroduce this legislation with my colleagues to pursue justice on behalf of victims in sanctuary cities," said Senator Capito.

In addition to Senators Capito and Tillis, the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.).

Source