No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act

This bill would block certain federal funds from going to states and cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and still plan to use those funds to help people without lawful immigration status. A “sanctuary” place is defined as one that stops officials from sharing information about someone’s citizenship or immigration status, or from honoring Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requests to hold or notify about a person in custody. There is an exception for people who come forward as crime victims or witnesses. The funds at issue include money intended for benefits like food, shelter, health care, legal help, and transportation for those without lawful status. DHS must also send Congress a yearly list of places that don’t comply with its detainer or release-notice requests. The funding limits start 60 days after the law takes effect or on the first day of the next fiscal year, whichever comes first .

Key points:

• Who is affected: States and localities with “sanctuary” policies; people without lawful immigration status; local programs offering aid like food, shelter, health care, legal services, and transportation.
• What changes: These places would lose federal funds meant to benefit people without lawful status if they restrict information-sharing or do not honor DHS detainers or release notices; exception for victims and witnesses who come forward.
• When: The funding limits begin 60 days after enactment or at the start of the next fiscal year, whichever is earlier; DHS must report noncompliance each year .