First on Fox: Republican members of Congress, including multiple lawmakers from New York, are introducing legislation that would block federal funding for migrant-related purposes in jurisdictions with “sanctuary” policies.
New York GOP Representative Nick LaLota has proposed the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, which aims to prevent federal funding from going to sanctuary jurisdictions to address the ongoing migrant crisis.
The legislation specifically targets funding for food, shelter, healthcare services, legal services, and transportation for individuals in the country illegally. Notably, this would include cutting off funding to New York City, which has seen an influx of over 110,000 migrants since last year. Democratic officials in the city have requested more assistance from the government and estimated that it could cost $12 billion by 2025.
Migrant numbers surged in August as the southern border crisis continues to worsen, setting new records.
Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., is leading the legislative push in Congress. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Republican representatives Michael McCaul, Carlos Gimenez, Claudia Tenney, Anthony D’Esposito, Andrew Garbarino, Mike Lawler, Brandon Williams, and Nick Langworthy are co-sponsoring the bill alongside Representative LaLota.
“However illogical, New York Democrats are free to maintain their failed sanctuary city policies, which contribute to New York City’s migrant crisis and the $12 billion cost projected by Mayor Adams,” stated LaLota.
“But those officials, who have the power to repeal these costly policies, cannot expect taxpayers from other states to fund their indiscretion while these policies are still in place.”
Governor Kathy Hochul has a message for migrants looking to come to New York: “Go somewhere else.”
Sanctuary jurisdictions impose limits or restrictions on local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These detainers request the transfer of an illegal immigrant from police custody to ICE custody. Despite the legality of their presence in the country, such areas often promote themselves as welcoming to all immigrants without distinction.
Republicans argue that these policies encourage illegal immigration, and for the past year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been sending migrants to sanctuary cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Chicago.
Some of these cities are facing their own migrant crises, particularly New York City. Mayor Eric Adams has warned that the crisis could lead to the city’s destruction. Other sanctuary cities are also struggling with financial issues and are requesting additional federal funding, expedited work permits, and a federal emergency declaration.
Meanwhile, the number of encounters at the southern border continues to rise. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources revealed that there were approximately 11,000 migrant encounters at the southern border on Monday, exceeding the previous record highs before the Title 42 public health order ended in May. This represents the highest number of encounters in recent memory.
CBP announced that there were over 230,000 migrant encounters at the southern border in August, the highest number on record. Sources also indicate that the numbers for Fiscal Year 2023 have already exceeded those of the record-breaking FY 2022.
Fox News’ Griff Jenkins contributed to this report.
