Legislators Target Sanctuary Cities
Shortly after President Donald Trump took office, North Carolina lawmakers Chuck Edwards and Thom Tillis reintroduced the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act.

This bill aims to hold sanctuary cities accountable by allowing victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants to sue those cities for protecting offenders from immigration enforcement.

Part of a Broader Immigration Crackdown
This move fits into the Trump administration’s larger strategy to fight illegal immigration. The administration has launched raids, increased deportations, and created tougher rules for sanctuary cities—those that don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The legislation proposes penalties like cutting federal funding to cities that ignore immigration laws.

Protecting Public Safety
The bill’s main idea is that cities shielding criminal illegal immigrants endanger American citizens and should face consequences.

Edwards and Tillis explained, “Sanctuary cities jeopardize public safety by refusing to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests or to provide information about illegal immigrants who are in custody and possess criminal records.”

Consequences for Sanctuary Cities
They further warned, “These sanctuary jurisdictions have permitted the release of dangerous illegal immigrants into communities, thereby compromising public safety.”

The act seeks to pressure these cities to cooperate with ICE and prioritize the safety of their residents.