South OC Times

Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced the Sanctuary City Accountability Act (SCAA) today, aiming to hold sanctuary cities accountable for crimes committed by illegal immigrants shielded from law enforcement and released into communities.

Issa's bill responds to a growing number of violent crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants taken in and released by sanctuary cities. The proposed legislation allows victims and their immediate family members to sue sanctuary jurisdictions for releasing offenders back into local communities.

"Sanctuary cities undermine the very notion of public safety by shielding criminal illegal immigrants, undermining the rule of law, and letting them walk free to commit new crimes that result in new victims," said Rep. Issa. "The Sanctuary City Accountability Act gives victims and families the right to seek injunctive relief or monetary damages from cities who flout clear law and derail the duty of Immigration and Customs Enforcement."

The Sanctuary City Accountability Act includes several key provisions:

- Creates a private right of action for individuals, or their families, to sue sanctuary jurisdictions for injunctive relief or monetary damages.

- Exempts local governments from liability if they are implementing a sanctuary policy directed by the state.

- Revises and strengthens the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide avenues for Americans to seek redress against sanctuary cities for policies that prohibit law enforcement coordination.

- Discourages sanctuary cities from refusing to comply with ICE detainers and federal immigration officers.

A one-pager of the bill can be found here, and the bill text can be read here.