Republican bill would empower victims of illegal alien crime to sue sanctuary cities

Republicans are striking back against "sanctuary cities" by sponsoring legislation that would allow victims of illegal alien crime to sue cities with those controversial policies.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced the legislation in a press release.

"The legislation creates a private right of civil action for the victims of sanctuary jurisdictions, allowing them to bring an action for compensatory damages against the sanctuary jurisdiction as a result of a violent crime committed by an illegal immigrant," the press release read. "Any sanctuary city or jurisdiction that refuses to waive its immunity as it relates to sanctuary-related civil action would be subject to the withholding of certain Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding."

Sanctuary city policies are measures taken by municipalities, usually those controlled by Democrats, to prevent local authorities from cooperating with requests from federal immigration officials to aid in apprehending illegal aliens.

President Donald Trump has criticized sanctuary city policies vehemently.

The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act is a direct response to a growing number of sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation (including North Carolina's Buncombe, Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, and Wake Counties) that either have official sanctuary policies or are refusing to comply with detainer requests and release notifications from the Department of Homeland Security," the statement continued.

Among those endorsing the legislation are Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

"A good piece of legislation that is long overdue," said Graham of the bill.

"There must be consequences for governments and entities that gamble with public safety, refuse to work with federal officials, and refuse to deal with felons here illegally," he added.

"This legislation empowers individuals who are the victims of these entities and governments' poor decisions," Graham concluded.

Here's the latest in the sanctuary cities debate:

David Inserra: "Sanctuary Cities Are Designed to Protect Criminals"www.youtube.com

[H/T: Red State.]