In a major win for border security advocates, the House of Representatives passed two Republican-led bills this week aimed at cracking down on sanctuary cities—and even some Democrats couldn’t resist jumping ship.
The first bill, passed Thursday in a 211–199 vote, would strip Small Business Administration (SBA) services from jurisdictions that protect illegal immigrants. Five Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX), Laura Gillen (NY), Don Davis (NC), Jared Golden (ME), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA)—joined Republicans in support, defying pressure from Democratic leadership.
“House Republicans are holding these cities accountable for their refusal to follow immigration law and protect their citizens,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN) said, according to Fox News Digital. “Under President Trump, lawlessness that endangers the American people and prioritizes illegal aliens will not be rewarded with federal dollars and resources.”
The legislation mandates that SBA offices relocate if they’re in areas officially recognized as sanctuary jurisdictions. No more federal perks for cities that ignore the rule of law.
A second bill passed Friday morning adds explicit language blocking illegal immigrants from accessing SBA loans. This time, eight Democrats broke ranks to support the measure. Alongside Cuellar, Gillen, Davis, and Perez were Reps. Tom Suozzi (NY), Josh Harder (CA), Marcy Kaptur (OH), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI).
While Democratic leaders pushed back hard on the first bill, they stayed notably silent on the second—perhaps realizing that voters are fed up with unchecked illegal immigration.
The measures were introduced by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), signaling renewed Republican momentum on immigration. With the 2024 elections looming, the message is loud and clear: sanctuary cities won’t get a free ride on the taxpayers’ dime anymore.