Republican lawmakers across the United States are intensifying efforts to penalize local officials who resist federal immigration enforcement, introducing measures that could result in hefty fines and even jail time. With over 20 states pushing anti-sanctuary legislation, local leaders face unprecedented legal threats for policies limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The push is part of a broader effort to bolster former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, ensuring state and local compliance with federal mandates. Several states already prohibit sanctuary policies, but newly proposed laws seek to impose direct penalties on officials who fail to comply. In Georgia, for instance, Republican state Sen. Blake Tillery has introduced legislation allowing lawsuits against public officials who implement sanctuary policies, a measure that has already passed the state Senate and is now under consideration in the House.
These proposed penalties range from fines to felony charges. Tennessee’s new law, signed by Gov. Bill Lee, subjects local officials voting for sanctuary policies to felony charges carrying up to six years in prison. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation requiring the state attorney general to take legal action against noncompliant local governments, with individual officials facing fines of up to $5,000 per violation.
Wyoming lawmakers have gone even further, with a bill that not only bars sanctuary policies but also blocks citizens from proposing such measures via petitions. If passed, officials who refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement could face felony charges, a prison sentence of five to ten years, and fines of up to $20,000. Republican state Rep. Joel Guggenmos, who sponsored the bill, defended it as a proactive step despite Wyoming having no sanctuary jurisdictions.
Opponents of these measures argue they could lead local law enforcement to detain immigrants longer than legally permitted out of fear of legal repercussions. Georgia state Sen. Nikki Merritt, a Democrat, voiced concerns that these laws could compromise public safety by discouraging immigrants from cooperating with police. Immigrant advocacy groups have also warned that such legislation could stoke fear within communities, making undocumented individuals more vulnerable to exploitation and crime.
While some of these laws are already in effect, others are still making their way through state legislatures. However, legal challenges may arise, with some legislative analysts questioning the constitutionality of penalizing elected officials for carrying out local policies. Despite potential legal battles, Republican lawmakers remain determined to enforce stricter compliance with federal immigration laws, signaling a continuation of Trump-era enforcement policies at the state level.
ALSO READ: Pope Francis Shows Signs Of Stability After Critical Health Scare
