Senate Republicans, reportedly coordinating with the White House, are advancing legislation to ban sanctuary cities and states and to make local politicians who defy federal immigration laws potentially subject to federal criminal liability. Sponsors say the bills would prohibit sanctuary policies, strip federal grants, and permit federal enforcement actions against jurisdictions that refuse cooperation. House Republicans have already moved related measures and DHS/DOJ officials are escalating pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions. Opponents say the proposal risks unconstitutional federal commandeering of state and local officials under the Tenth Amendment and will prompt legal challenges and political fights in the Senate and debate. (banks.senate.gov)