House Democrats Join Republicans in Bipartisan Push for Sanctuary City Crackdown
House Republicans pass two bills targeting sanctuary cities, highlighting ongoing political focus on illegal immigration.
The House of Representatives advanced two significant pieces of legislation this week targeting so-called sanctuary cities, marking a notable stance on immigration enforcement that drew bipartisan support, despite the resistance from Democratic leadership. The first bill, passed on Thursday, seeks to relocate Small Business Administration (SBA) offices away from jurisdictions designated as sanctuary cities—areas known for restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The measure passed by a 211 to 199 vote margin, with five Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX), Laura Gillen (NY), Don Davis (NC), Jared Golden (ME), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA)—breaking ranks to join the GOP majority. This vote came after House Democratic leaders openly urged their caucus to oppose the proposal, underscoring the divisive nature of the issue even within party lines.
Under the new bill, if an SBA office is located in a jurisdiction officially labeled as a sanctuary city, it would be required to move its operations. Proponents of the legislation argue that federal resources should not be provided to communities that do not comply with immigration laws. "House Republicans are holding these cities accountable for their refusal to follow immigration law and protect their citizens," declared House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, highlighting the party's commitment to stricter immigration measures.
The Trump administration celebrated the bipartisan outcome, framing the policy as both a security and economic imperative. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized the decision to move SBA field offices as an effort to prioritize the safety and livelihoods of American citizens and small businesses. "This Administration is committed to ending the illegal invasion of our nation – and I am grateful for the bipartisan group of House lawmakers who voted in support of that agenda," she stated.
On Friday morning, the House took up a second bill focused on financial regulations for undocumented immigrants. This bill adds specific language to existing law, explicitly banning individuals in the U.S. illegally from accessing SBA loans. The legislation garnered even broader bipartisan backing, with eight Democrats supporting the measure, including several who also voted for the relocation bill.
The votes reflect the ongoing salience of illegal immigration as a political issue heading into the upcoming elections. Immigrant enforcement continues to animate debate in both parties and remains central to Republican messaging after playing a decisive role in prior electoral victories.
Both pieces of legislation were championed by Republican lawmakers, with Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota introducing the SBA relocation bill and Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Texas sponsoring the SBA loan restriction act. The developments signal a renewed push by GOP lawmakers to impose consequences on sanctuary jurisdictions and intensify scrutiny over federal resources used in those areas.
