Republican legislators have introduced a bill targeting sanctuary cities by withholding federal housing subsidies, citing non-compliance with immigration laws. The proposal, backed by Sen. Bill Hagerty and Rep, Ralph Norman, aims to cut off funding to jurisdictions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. This measure comes amid ongoing protests and unrest in Los Angeles, where ICE raids have drawn widespread public demonstrations. The bill would revoke grants provided through the community development block grant program, which allocates billions annually to support housing and urban development. The move aligns with President Trump’s broader strategy to penalize sanctuary cities, which includes recent budget proposals targeting federal funding for such programs. Critics argue that the policy could exacerbate tensions between local authorities and federal agencies, while supporters claim it upholds national sovereignty and public safety.
The housing grants were already in the White House’s crosshairs. Indeed, Trump’s skinny budget that he unveiled to Congress last month included a provision that would nix federal community development block grants entirely. The program accounts for over $3 billion in grant funding at the federal level. The administration argued in its budget proposal that the community development block grant program