Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) announced that his bill, H.R. 5717, known as the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, has passed the House with bipartisan support.

“By refusing to help enforce federal immigration law, sanctuary cities have created their own crisis and federal taxpayers must not be forced to foot the bill for their misguided policies. My No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, which earned votes from every House Republican and 12 House Democrats, ensures that federal dollars will not be used to offset costs incurred by prioritizing illegal immigration, and migrants’ free hotels and health care, over the safety and well-being of law-abiding tax-paying citizens,” said LaLota. “New Yorkers, like the rest of the country, are fed up with the strain this crisis has put on our resources. My bipartisan legislation will hold these cities accountable and make it clear that there are consequences for defying the rule of law. I urge the Senate to immediately take up this legislation.”

The bill aims to prohibit federal funding intended to address or aid migrant crises in jurisdictions with sanctuary city policies. This includes funds for food, shelter, healthcare services, legal services, and transportation costs.

According to Rep. LaLota's statement, more than 100,000 migrants have arrived in New York City since spring 2022 under President Biden's administration policies; over 58,000 remain in care within the city. A recent Siena College Poll indicated that 82% of New Yorkers view this influx as a serious problem; over half consider it very serious. Despite statements from Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul indicating capacity issues —“We don’t have capacity.” — New York City and State have yet to change their sanctuary laws.