GOP Senators Demand End to Sanctuary City Funding Over Immigration Law Defiance

Republican senators are drawing a hard line against sanctuary cities, demanding an end to federal funding for municipalities that obstruct immigration enforcement. "Enough is enough," declared Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, arguing it’s illogical to reward law-defying cities with taxpayer dollars. She pointed to the ongoing border crisis, emphasizing that sanctuary policies enable crime by shielding illegal immigrants from federal authorities.

Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio echoed the sentiment, stressing that no one is above the law. He advocated using federal funding as leverage to ensure compliance, a stance he’s championed since his campaign. Florida’s Sen. Rick Scott was blunt, stating sanctuary cities fail their citizens by prioritizing lawlessness over safety. He called for a reformed immigration system that prioritizes legal pathways.

In contrast, some Democrats sidestepped the issue. Virginia’s Sen. Tim Kaine claimed sanctuary cities aren’t a problem in his state, while Maine’s independent Sen. Angus King dodged the topic, citing Middle East concerns. Louisiana’s Sen. Bill Cassidy took a measured approach, noting that communities defying federal law must face consequences, though he stopped short of specifying what those should be.

Sen. Roger Marshall of Tennessee tied sanctuary policies to recent unrest, alleging they contributed to incidents like the Los Angeles riots, where local police reportedly failed to support ICE agents. He underscored a constitutional duty to protect citizens, suggesting the power of the purse could force compliance.

The debate underscores a growing divide over immigration enforcement, with Republicans pushing for accountability and critics arguing sanctuary policies protect vulnerable communities. As tensions rise, the threat of defunding could reshape city-federal relations.