New Legislation Holds Sanctuary City Mayors Accountable for Crimes by Illegal Immigrants
A House lawmaker is advocating for a new measure aimed at making mayors of sanctuary cities responsible for the actions of illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes, including murder, within their areas. Representative Buddy Carter from Georgia plans to introduce the Establishing Responsibility for Illegals’ Crimes and Adding Deterrence and Accountability for Mayors’ Sanctuary Cities Act, commonly called the ERIC ADAMS Act.
If enacted, this bill would allow for criminal charges against mayors of sanctuary cities if illegal immigrants under their jurisdiction are found guilty of murder. This legislation is particularly timely as New York City Mayor Eric Adams prepares for his re-election campaign and is at the center of the discussion on sanctuary city policies.
Under Carter’s proposed law, mayors could be charged with “criminal negligence resulting in manslaughter” if they knowingly enacted or maintained policies that hinder cooperation with federal immigration officials, directly leading to a scenario where a crime could occur. The penalties for such negligence could be as severe as seven years in prison and substantial fines.
Carter’s push for this legislation comes shortly after the Trump administration’s efforts to challenge sanctuary city policies through the courts. Many conservative lawmakers believe that these policies contribute to a rise in crime by protecting illegal immigrants from deportation, thereby allowing them to potentially commit violent acts.
Carter emphasized the real-life consequences of sanctuary policies, citing instances where lives could have been saved had local officials adhered to immigration laws. He stated, “As far as I’m concerned, they have blood on their hands and should be held personally accountable for creating a lawless environment that allows criminal illegal aliens to commit murder.”
As the legislative process unfolds, the focus will remain on how sanctuary city policies impact community safety and the responsibilities of local leaders in managing illegal immigration.
