U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has introduced new legislation aimed at ending sanctuary city policies in the United States. The bill, announced on January 29, 2026, targets state and local jurisdictions that impede federal immigration enforcement.
Graham stated he will push for a vote on the measure when the Senate considers the fiscal year 2026 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He attributes disruptions around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to sanctuary policies adopted by twelve states, including Minnesota, and multiple local governments.
According to Graham, these policies create safe havens for individuals residing in the country without legal status by obstructing federal authorities. The proposed legislation would impose criminal penalties on state and local officials who interfere with federal immigration law enforcement. It also aims to restore order in affected areas and reinforce federal authority over immigration matters.
Graham said, “The end is near for the lawlessness and fraud enabled by sanctuary cities. President Trump made his agenda clear, and it’s up to Republicans to deliver.”
He added: “I have publicly stated that some of the reforms to ICE and Border Patrol being advocated by Democrats make sense, like more training and body cameras. However, in my view, the real problem leading to chaos, is sanctuary city policies.”
“I think the best legislative solution for our country would be to adopt some of these reforms to ICE and Border Patrol, but to also end forever the sanctuary city policies being pushed by 12 states. We should do three things: Fund DHS, make reforms and end sanctuary city policies,” Graham continued.
Key provisions of Graham’s bill include making it illegal for state or local officials to block enforcement of federal immigration laws; preventing them from shielding undocumented immigrants from apprehension or withholding records; restricting limits on cooperation between agencies; requiring notification of federal authorities upon release of undocumented immigrants from custody; and imposing criminal penalties if an official releases an individual who later commits serious harm.
