Georgia bill would increase penalties for sanctuary cities

Georgia Sen. Blake Tillery, R–Vidalia, introduced legislation increasing penalties for sanctuary cities in Georgia.

Senate Bill 21 would allow local governments and their officials to be sued if they violate the state prohibition on immigration sanctuary policies. It would also require jails to hold illegal aliens at the federal government’s request temporarily.

“Senate Bill 21 aligns the State of Georgia with President Trump’s vision for immigration reform,” Tillery said in a statement. “Sanctuary cities allow too many undocumented immigrants into the US and threaten our national and state security. By discouraging illegal aliens from finding refuge in Georgia, we do our part in mitigating the crisis at the southern border.”

The term “sanctuary city” refers to a city that has adopted a policy of resisting or refusing to cooperate with federal Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents unless presented with a court order or arrest warrant. SB 21 comes after President Donald Trump promised to challenge sanctuary cities and state and local officials who resist the ongoing federal immigration crackdown.