Sanctuary City Accountability Act

This proposal would let people who are U.S. nationals sue “sanctuary” cities or states in federal court if a noncitizen commits a crime against them or an immediate family member. They could ask the court to order changes or award money. The lawsuit could be filed where the crime happened or in another place the person later moved to. The bill also shields local governments from being sued if they were just following a policy the state forced on them. It defines “sanctuary jurisdiction” as a state or local government with rules that block cooperation with federal immigration officers, such as refusing ICE detainers, putting tough conditions on detainer requests, denying ICE access to interview jailed noncitizens, or otherwise limiting information-sharing with federal agents.

Key points

• Who is affected: U.S. nationals, “sanctuary” states and cities, and victims and their immediate families.
• What changes: U.S. nationals could sue sanctuary jurisdictions in federal court for crimes committed against them by noncitizens; local governments aren’t liable if state rules made them do it; explains what counts as a “sanctuary” policy (e.g., refusing ICE detainers, blocking ICE access, limiting information-sharing).
• When: The text does not specify an effective date.