A new Republican bill aims to stop federal housing grants from flowing to sanctuary cities like Los Angeles that flout federal immigration laws, ensuring American taxpayers aren’t forced to subsidize policies that prioritize non-citizens over citizens.

Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Cities that encourage illegal immigration shouldn’t be rewarded with federal housing subsidies.”

He argued that hard-earned taxpayer dollars should not support jurisdictions that undermine national sovereignty.

“The Trump administration has made it clear that illegal immigration will not be tolerated anywhere in the United States, and cities that defy American sovereignty will face the consequences,” Hagerty declared, reinforcing the bill’s alignment with President Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary cities.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and previously introduced with then-Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), targets the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which funnels billions annually to cities for housing and urban development.

By halting these grants to non-compliant cities, the bill safeguards taxpayer funds from being misused to support policies that shield illegal immigrants.

Sanctuary Cities’ Defiance Costs Taxpayers Billions

The CDBG program, managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, allocates over $3 billion yearly to foster “decent housing and a suitable living environment.”

Yet, sanctuary cities’ refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, such as by blocking information sharing or ignoring Department of Homeland Security requests, puts American taxpayers on the hook for funding these defiant jurisdictions.

Rep. Norman emphasized the injustice: “It’s simple: if you’re going to ignore federal immigration law, don’t expect to get a dime of federal tax dollars.”

“Sanctuary cities are putting politics over public safety, and that’s unacceptable,” Norman added. “This bill makes clear that cities choosing to harbor illegal immigrants at the expense of public safety will no longer receive taxpayer money.”

The bill’s push comes as Los Angeles faces unrest over ICE raids, highlighting the tension between local policies and federal law. By targeting grants, the legislation ensures that American taxpayers aren’t forced to bankroll cities that prioritize non-citizens, protecting public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Trump’s Budget Aligns with Taxpayer-First Approach

The bill dovetails with President Trump’s broader agenda to rein in sanctuary cities, including threats to cut federal funding for non-compliance.

His recent budget proposal already called for slashing $5 billion from community development programs, including eliminating CDBG grants entirely, arguing that such initiatives are better handled at the state and local levels.

This move reinforces the principle that American taxpayers should not bear the burden of funding sanctuary cities’ defiance, redirecting resources to prioritize citizens’ needs and uphold the rule of law.

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