Sanctuary City Accountability Act
Sponsored By: Representative Issa
Introduced
Summary
Creates a private right of action that would let U.S. nationals sue a State or local government labeled a 'sanctuary jurisdiction' if an immigrant who was in that jurisdiction later harms them or their immediate family. Plaintiffs could seek injunctive relief or compensatory damages, and suits can target the original sanctuary jurisdiction even if the immigrant relocates elsewhere.
Show full summary
- Families and victims: U.S. citizens who are harmed, or whose immediate family members are harmed, could bring civil suits for money damages or court orders.
- Local governments: Cities and counties designated as sanctuary jurisdictions could face lawsuits unless they were enforcing a law or policy imposed by their State.
- Scope and enforcement: The bill lists four kinds of local practices that qualify as obstructing immigration enforcement, including refusing ICE detainers, denying ICE access to interview incarcerated noncitizens, imposing unreasonable conditions on detainer compliance, and blocking communication with federal immigration officers.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Victims could sue sanctuary jurisdictions
This bill would let U.S. nationals sue certain "sanctuary jurisdictions" in federal court. You could sue if a noncitizen who was in that jurisdiction commits a crime against you or your immediate family, either there or after moving. You could ask for a court order (injunction) or money for your losses (compensatory damages). A "sanctuary jurisdiction" would be one with policies that block immigration enforcement, such as refusing ICE detainers, adding unreasonable conditions, denying ICE interviews in jails, or blocking information-sharing with federal officers. A local government would not be liable if it was carrying out a state-imposed law or policy.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Issa
CA • R
Cosponsors
Gill (TX)
TX • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Crane
AZ • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Gooden
TX • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Haridopolos
FL • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Feenstra
IA • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Brecheen
OK • R
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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