The House passed a bill Thursday to deny sanctuary cities from receiving federal funding. The bill passed 241-179 after a passionate national debate about sanctuary cities around the U.S.
Sanctuary cities are getting increased media attention this summer due to the murder of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco on July 1. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an illegal alien, has been charged with her homicide. Lopez-Sanchez had previously been deported from the US five times, according to The Hill. He was arrested multiple times for numerous offenses prior to this murder.
Democrats in Congress have been calling the bill that prevents funding the "Donald Trump Act," because Trump has been an outspoken advocate against sanctuary cities. Donald Trump is a 2016 Presidential contender and known real estate mogul. Republicans say their vote is not based on his policies. "I'm not going to let Donald Trump dictate my vote," Rep. Tim MacArthur (R-N.J.) said, according to The Hill.
Only five Republicans voted against the bill. On the other side of the aisle, six Democrats voted for the bill, which is officially named H.R. 3009. It was introduced by Rep. Duncan D. Hunter (R-Calif.) as the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, according to SCVTV News. For one, the bill means that sanctuary cities cannot receive support from federal programs like the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program or Community Oriented Policing Services.
Sanctuary cities have policies and programs in place that protect illegal immigrants, and do not enforce federal immigration laws with city funding, according to C-Span.
Sanctuary cities around the US include Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Miami, New Orleans, Baltimore, Detroit and New York City.
