Bill · S. 185· Senate(119-S-185)
Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/22/2025
- Last activity
- 1/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Tillis
- Cosponsors
- - 11 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025" establishes a civil remedy for individuals harmed by sanctuary jurisdiction policies. It defines sanctuary jurisdictions as entities that restrict information sharing regarding immigration status or fail to comply with Department of Homeland Security detainers. The bill allows victims of certain violent crimes to sue these jurisdictions for compensatory damages if the harm resulted from a failure to comply with federal requests. It also includes provisions for waiving immunity for jurisdictions that accept specific federal grants. Additionally, the act provides legal protections for local officials who comply with federal detainers.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands federal authority over state and local jurisdictions regarding immigration enforcement and legal immunity.
Does this tighten control of the border?+4
The bill strengthens the enforcement of federal detainers by local jurisdictions.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+3
The bill establishes a specific civil remedy and right of action for victims of certain violent crimes.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would immigrants be better off under this?-6
The bill increases the likelihood of immigrants being detained or transferred via federal detainers through local cooperation.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill reduces state autonomy by mandating compliance with federal immigration detainers and imposing civil liability for non-compliance.
Would people in cities be better off under this?-4
The bill creates financial and legal liabilities for local political subdivisions, which often includes urban jurisdictions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Legal recourse for victims of violent crime: Individuals, or their families, who are victims of murder, rape, or specific felonies can bring actions for compensatory damages if the crime was committed by an alien who benefited from a sanctuary policy and the jurisdiction failed to comply with a federal detainer or notification request (Section 3(a)(1)).
-
Recovery of litigation costs: Prevailing plaintiffs in these civil actions are permitted to recover reasonable attorney's fees and expert fees as part of their costs (Section 3(a)(3)).
-
Legal protections for cooperating officials: State and local officers who comply with a Department of Homeland Security detainer are deemed to be acting as agents of the federal government, which provides certain protections in legal proceedings (Section 4(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial burden on jurisdictions through lawsuits: State or political subdivisions may be held liable for compensatory damages in civil actions brought by victims of murder, rape, or certain felonies (Section 3(a)(1)).
-
Loss of legal immunity: Jurisdictions that accept certain federal grants, such as those for public works, economic development, or community development block grants, must waive their immunity regarding sanctuary-related civil actions as a condition of receiving the grant (Section 3(b)(1)).
-
Potential liability shift in legal proceedings: In legal proceedings challenging the seizure or detention of an individual pursuant to a federal detainer, the United States may be substituted as the defendant, while the specific legal remedies are dictated by specific sections of the United States Code (Section 4(b)(2)).
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 Immigrants-6Good For Urban Residents-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Due Process+3Increase States Rights-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+4Improves Racial Equity+1Improves Policing Reform-2
- 7/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 10 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Lindsey GrahamRepublican · South Carolina
- Darline Graham
Republican · South Carolina
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana