Bill · H.R. 7612· House(119-HR-7612)
End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/20/2026
- Last activity
- 2/20/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Lance Gooden
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026. It makes it illegal for state and local government officials to block or restrict compliance with Department of Homeland Security requests for advance notice when releasing criminal aliens. The bill sets up criminal penalties, including fines and prison time, for officials who violate this rule. The length of the prison sentence depends on the type of crime the released criminal alien was charged with or convicted of. The text also includes a severability clause to protect the rest of the bill if one part is found invalid.
Yes
Does this tighten control of the border?+8
The bill enhances federal immigration enforcement cooperation by penalizing state and local officials who obstruct DHS requests regarding criminal aliens.
Does this give the federal government more power?+7
The legislation asserts federal oversight over state and local jurisdictions by overriding sanctuary policies and imposing federal criminal penalties on local officials.
Would children be better off under this?+2
Proponents argue that stricter reporting on criminal aliens protects children and communities from potential violent offenders.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would immigrants be better off under this?-8
The legislation increases penalties and targets criminal aliens for removal and detention, which is viewed negatively by immigrant advocacy organizations.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-7
The bill restricts the ability of state and local governments to enact sanctuary policies and manage their own law enforcement priorities.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-5
The bill specifically targets criminal aliens for notification and federal detention, creating a more punitive legal framework regarding immigration status.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Clearer notice for serious crimes: Section 2(c)(1) and Section 2(c)(2) establish strict prison terms (ranging from 5 to 25 years) and fines for officials who release criminal aliens charged with or convicted of serious offenses like murder, rape, sex offenses against minors, or serious violent felonies, without giving proper notice. This could be seen as positive for public safety by holding officials strictly accountable if dangerous individuals are released without alerting federal immigration authorities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Severe burdens on local officials: Section 2(c)(3) imposes fines and prison sentences between 30 days and 6 months for state or local officials whose actions result in the release of a criminal alien charged with or convicted of any other Federal or State criminal offense. This could place a heavy burden on local leaders who might face criminal charges themselves if policies or communication gaps lead to a failure in providing reasonable advance notice.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+2Good For Immigrants-8Good For Hispanic Americans-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+8Improves Pathway To Citizenship-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+7Increase States Rights-7
- 3/5/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Earl CarterRepublican · Georgia
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York