Sanctuary City Accountability Act

Creates a new right for any U.S. national to sue a state or local government that has a “sanctuary” policy if a noncitizen who was in that jurisdiction commits a crime against them or an immediate family member. Lawsuits can be filed in federal court and may seek court orders (injunctions) or money to cover losses (compensatory damages).

It shields local government units from being sued under this section when they are enforcing or carrying out laws or policies imposed by their state. It also defines what counts as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” for this purpose (state or local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement).