This bill would create a federal civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in cities and states with sanctuary policies. Under the legislation, victims of murder, rape, or felonies could sue sanctuary jurisdictions for compensatory damages if the jurisdiction failed to comply with federal immigration detention requests or notify federal authorities about an immigrant's release. The bill defines sanctuary jurisdictions as those with policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, though it excludes jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate only when dealing with immigrant crime victims or witnesses. To encourage compliance, the bill would require states and localities that accept certain federal grants for economic development and community development to waive their legal immunity from these lawsuits. The legislation also provides liability protections for local law enforcement officers who comply with federal immigration detainers, making them act as federal agents in those situations.
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