Issa Introduces Legislation to Hold Sanctuary Cities Accountable

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced the Sanctuary City Accountability Act (SCAA), which will hold sanctuary cities accountable for crimes committed by illegal immigrants shielded from law enforcement and released into communities.

Issa’s bill comes in response to the growing number of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants taken in and released by sanctuary cities. The bill gives victims and their immediate family members the right to sue sanctuary jurisdictions for releasing offenders back into local communities.

“Sanctuary cities undermine the very notion of public safety by shielding criminal illegal immigrants, undermining the rule of law, and letting them walk free to commit new crimes that result in new victims,” said Rep. Issa. “The Sanctuary City Accountability Act gives victims and families the right to seek injunctive relief or monetary damages from cities who flout clear law and derail the duty of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

Specifically, the Sanctuary City Accountability Act:

• Creates a private right of action for individuals, or their families, to sue Sanctuary Jurisdictions for injunctive relief or monetary damages.
• Exempts local governments from liability if they are implementing a sanctuary policy directed by the State.
• Revises and strengthens the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide avenues for Americans to seek redress against Sanctuary Cities for policies that prohibit law enforcement coordination.
• Discourages Sanctuary Cities for refusing to comply with ICE detainers and Federal immigration officers.

A one pager of the bill can be found here and the bill text can be read here.