U.S. Senators Tim Scott and John Cornyn introduced the Sanctuary City Elimination Act on Apr. 20, which aims to ensure that law enforcement officers at all levels can coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement without fear of reprisal, while also restricting certain federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions.
The bill is designed to address concerns about public safety by prohibiting sanctuary cities from receiving specific federal grants or funding if they do not cooperate with immigration authorities. It also proposes a right of action for victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants released from sanctuary jurisdictions who reoffend in other states.
“Every family in South Carolina deserves to feel safe in their own community, and that starts with a system that puts public safety first. The tragic loss of two young kids near Spartanburg this week is a devastating reminder of the real consequences of President Biden’s open border policies, which are continuing to fail local communities. The Sanctuary City Elimination Act takes a commonsense step forward by empowering state and local law enforcement to work hand-in-hand with DHS, while protecting the officers who are doing their jobs, and ensuring jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate are not rewarded with federal tax dollars,” said Sen. Tim Scott.
Senator Cornyn said, “For far too long, sanctuary cities across the nation have sidestepped federal immigration law and created safe havens for dangerous illegal aliens, putting the safety and security of Americans at risk and undermining the rule of law. I’m proud to introduce the Sanctuary City Elimination Act, which would ensure local and state law enforcement coordinates with ICE officers, ban certain federal funds from going to sanctuary cities, and allow victims of criminal illegal aliens who are released from sanctuary jurisdictions and reoffend in other states to seek justice.” Other senators joining as co-sponsors include John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Budd (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO).
The background provided indicates that despite efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants involved in violent crime, some cities have refused cooperation through local ordinances—an issue cited as contributing to risks for both public safety officials and communities.
Scott grew up in a single-parent household in North Charleston, South Carolina according to his official website. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Charleston Southern University according to his official website. He was raised in North Charleston according to his official website.
Scott has held positions on the Charleston County Council as well as serving in both the South Carolina House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives according to his official website. He currently offers constituent services including assistance with federal agencies for residents across South Carolina according to his official website.