Senator Hagerty Reintroduces Bill to Block Federal Housing Funds for Sanctuary Cities

Republican lawmakers, including Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC), have introduced the "No Community Development Block Grants for Sanctuary Cities Act" to prevent sanctuary cities from receiving federal housing subsidies. The bill targets federal Community Development Block Grant funds administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which support housing, infrastructure, and local economic development. Supporters argue sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement should not be rewarded with taxpayer dollars, emphasizing alignment with President Donald Trump's firm stance against illegal immigration. The legislation would make cities ineligible for these grants if they enact policies that obstruct federal immigration authorities or hinder the identification of immigration status. The renewed effort comes amid ongoing protests and unrest in cities like Los Angeles related to ICE operations. Both Hagerty and Norman have stated that ignoring federal immigration law should result in the loss of federal funding, framing the bill as a measure to uphold public safety and American sovereignty.