Tillis Introduces Law Enforcement Bill On ICE Detainers

Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis has introduced legislation that would require local law enforcement officials to adhere to detainer requests made by federal authorities.

The bill would give individuals the right to sue cities or counties that enact policies blocking enforcement of federal immigration laws. Non-compliance could also result in the loss of federal grants.

The legislation comes as North Carolina GOP lawmakers are trying to pass a bill of their own to compel cooperation between county sheriffs and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The News and Observer reports the Justice For Victims Of Sanctuary Act is co-sponsored by five other Republican Senators including Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz.

Tillis says his bill is a response to sheriffs in a number of North Carolina counties, and others across the country, who are refusing to comply with detainer requests or failing to notify ICE if an inmate is released.