A Senate Republican, Sen. Tim Sheehy, has introduced the SAFE Cities Act, which would cut federal funding for cities that oppose Trump’s immigration policies, following the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. The bill would require the Attorney General to publish a list of such jurisdictions, and federal agencies would then be instructed to limit their eligibility for federal grants. This measure comes after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles, alleging that the city’s policies hinder ICE operations. Sheehy argues that taxpayer dollars should support communities that uphold the law and ensure public safety, rather than those that prioritize radical agendas over citizen welfare.
The push for the SAFE Cities Act follows a wave of anti-ICE protests and riots in major cities, including Los Angeles, where local officials have resisted federal immigration enforcement. The Trump administration’s lawsuit against LA, which claims that the city’s policies impede ICE operations, underscores the growing tension between federal and local authorities over immigration enforcement. In response, Sheehy’s bill seeks to codify the Trump administration’s previous directive, which was issued in 2020, to identify and list jurisdictions that have ‘permitted violence and the destruction of property to persist.’ The list includes cities that have refused to cooperate with federal law enforcement, such as by defunding police or withdrawing from law enforcement efforts.
The bill, which has a companion version in the House led by Rep. Tony Wied, is part of a broader effort by Republicans to assert greater control over local jurisdictions, particularly those that have resisted Trump’s immigration agenda. Sheehy argues that these cities have ‘allowed violent criminals to wreak havoc on families, communities, and businesses with no consequence,’ and that defunding them would incentivize local governments to prioritize public safety over radical policies. The measure represents a significant step in the ongoing debate over the balance of power between federal and local authorities, and the role of taxpayer funds in supporting law enforcement and public safety measures.
As the bill moves through Congress, it is likely to face opposition from Democrats and local jurisdictions that argue it undermines the principle of local governance and could lead to increased tensions between federal and state governments. The proposal also highlights the broader political divide in the United States, particularly around issues of immigration, law enforcement, and the use of federal funds to support local policies. With the November elections approaching, the debate over defunding ‘anarchist jurisdictions’ is likely to remain a key issue in the political landscape of the United States.