Garbarino Helps Introduce Bill to Hold New York City Accountable for Migrant Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) joined with Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) to help introduce the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act. Both Members serve on the House Homeland Security Committee. This legislation which would prevent federal funds from being used to bailout sanctuary cities, including New York City, for a migrant crisis they helped create. Additional original cosponsors of Rep. LaLota's legislation include Reps. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Brandon Williams (R-NY-22), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-26), and Michael McCaul (R-TX-10).

“You don’t treat the symptoms of a problem instead of the root cause,” said Rep. Garbarino. “Progressive policies like those implemented by New York City and New York State have brought the border crisis to our doorstep and, until Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams show a willingness to change those policies, our state will continue to be inundated with an influx of migrants we can’t afford to support. The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act would hold sanctuary cities accountable and encourage New York to reverse its failed policies, which have only exacerbated this crisis.”

“However illogical, New York Democrats are free to keep their failed sanctuary city policies which are helping to cause New York City’s migrant crisis and the $12 billion Mayor Adams says it will cost,” said Rep. LaLota. “But these officials, who can repeal those costly policies any day, cannot expect other states’ taxpayers to fund their indiscretion while their policies remain in place.”

“While states like Texas are working overtime to secure our borders, sanctuary cities across the nation are promoting illegal immigration and exacerbating the crisis,” said Chairman McCaul. “Texan taxpayers shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of costs incurred by cities that refuse to enforce our nation’s laws.”

“Municipalities that implement 'sanctuary city' policies are adding fuel to the fire of Joe Biden's horrific border security crisis by giving refuge to those who broke the law to enter this country,” said Rep. D'Esposito. “I am proud to co-sponsor the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act which will ensure these 'sanctuary cities' do not receive federal funding until they stop serving as safe harbors for those who flaunt our laws and start prioritizing American national security.”

“To no one's surprise, migrants from all over the world are taking advantage of Democrats’ illegal sanctuary city policies, forcing taxpayers to foot the bill,” said Rep. Tenney. “We are facing a national security and humanitarian crisis exacerbated by these radical policies that incentivize illegal immigration. The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act ensures that our tax dollars are not being used to fund housing, food, and healthcare costs for illegal immigrants.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

Rather than permit President Biden to throw federal money at the migrant crisis, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act would prohibit federal funding for the purposes of addressing or aiding the migrant crisis for any jurisdiction with sanctuary city policies.  This would include federal funding for resources such as the provision of food, shelter, healthcare services, legal services, and transportation costs.

More than 100,000 migrants have passed through New York City since spring 2022, and more than 58,000 still remain in the city's care. In a recent Siena College Poll, 82% of New Yorkers say that the recent influx of migrants is a serious problem, with more than 50% labeling it a very serious problem. The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul have said — “We don’t have capacity.”

###