Summary

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).

Key Points

• Establishes a federal private right of action against defined “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
• Allows any U.S. national victimized by a crime (or whose immediate family member is victimized) to sue if the perpetrator is a noncitizen who was in that jurisdiction.
• Permits plaintiffs to seek injunctions and compensatory damages in federal court.
• Provides a safe harbor so local governments aren’t liable for enforcing state-imposed policies.
• Defines what counts as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” for purposes of the lawsuit.
• Could lead to increased litigation risk and legal costs for states, counties, and cities with sanctuary policies.
• May prompt jurisdictions to revisit policies on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Does not change criminal penalties, immigration status rules, or provide funding; it adds a civil liability pathway.
• Increases workload for federal courts handling these civil cases.

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