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EXCLUSIVE: A new legislative initiative spearheaded by Representative Darrell Issa, R-Calif., may pave the way for victims of sanctuary policies to pursue legal action against state, county, and local governments responsible for enacting these measures.
The proposed Sanctuary City Accountability Act (SCAA) aims to empower individuals across the country to challenge policies that hinder local law enforcement’s compliance with federal immigration laws. Under this act, victims of crimes—together with their immediate families—will have the right to seek legal recourse for incidents that result from these policies.
“Sanctuary cities have consistently defied federal regulations, placing the safety of American citizens at risk by protecting individuals who have committed crimes,” Issa remarked in an interview with Fox News Digital. “It’s essential that we recalibrate our legal framework to prioritize the safety of law-abiding citizens over those who violate our laws.”
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Issa, who serves as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, expects the SCAA to proceed through the legislative process within that committee.
“Any U.S. national may initiate a civil lawsuit in an appropriate federal court against a sanctuary jurisdiction where an illegal alien commits a crime, affecting that person or their immediate family, whether within the sanctuary or elsewhere,” the legislation specifies.
The act identifies sanctuary policies as those that limit compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mandates, including restrictions on detainer compliance and ICE’s access to incarcerated individuals for interviews.
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Moreover, the SCAA is designed to complement the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal (CLEAR) Act, which seeks to formalize collaboration between local law enforcement and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement.
This legislative push follows a recent failure in San Diego County, partially represented by Issa, to repeal its “super sanctuary” policies. A vote conducted earlier this month resulted in a continuation of these controversial policies.
“We should not allow criminals—be it rapists, child abusers, or violent offenders—to remain in our communities because of fear and misinformation,” stated Republican Supervisor Jim Desmond, expressing disappointment over the repeal’s failure.
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The Laken Riley Act, signed into law by then-President Donald Trump, targets undocumented migrants involved in criminal activities, marking a cornerstone of a stricter approach to border security and immigration enforcement. This act enables the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants charged with serious offenses, including violent crimes.
Desmond and Supervisor Joel Anderson voted in favor of repealing the sanctuary policy, which had been established by the Democratic majority on the board. In contrast, Democratic Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe contended that reversing the policy would overextend the county’s authority and disrupt the balance of responsibilities between local and federal jurisdictions. The repeal attempt concluded with a 2-1-1 vote, failing to secure the necessary majority due to one supervisor’s abstention and a vacancy on the board.
“The language of policy L-2 does not shield criminals; it’s designed to ensure that local governance remains focused on protecting our communities while allowing the federal government to maintain its role,” Montgomery Steppe addressed before casting her vote against the repeal.
Movements like the Laken Riley Act reflect a growing response to crimes attributed to illegal immigrants, furthering the conversation around immigration enforcement and public safety across the country.
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