State lawmakers in more than 20 states are pushing legislation to combat sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These lawmakers aim to strengthen enforcement by threatening local officials with lawsuits, fines, and even jail time for non-compliance. Georgia state Sen. Blake Tillery’s bill, which allows lawsuits against officials implementing sanctuary policies, has sparked debate, with opponents fearing it may lead to extended detainment of immigrants by local law enforcement out of fear of legal repercussions.

The Trump administration has also initiated legal action against governments with restrictive immigration policies, such as suing Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County for alleged violations of federal law. In Georgia, existing laws already require cooperation with federal authorities, and the recent legislative efforts aim to further empower individuals to sue local governments and officials for non-compliance.

In Louisiana, a law mandates law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law, leading to a lawsuit against the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office for alleged violations of state sanctuary policies. Similarly, South Dakota, Florida, and Tennessee have implemented or proposed laws imposing penalties on officials supporting sanctuary policies, including fines and potential jail time.

Wyoming is considering legislation to prohibit sanctuary policies and penalize non-compliance with felony charges and hefty fines. New Hampshire lawmakers have also introduced bills targeting sanctuary policies, with one version seeking fines and another emphasizing cooperation with federal authorities. These measures represent a broader trend among states to strengthen anti-sanctuary laws, reflecting a national debate on immigration policy enforcement.