Feb. 18, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) has reintroduced legislation that would prevent municipalities and counties across the Commonwealth from designating themselves as “sanctuaries” for illegal immigrants.
“Community leaders who decide they should ignore the laws on immigration are risking the health and safety of their residents every day,” Warner said. “The Trump administration is rightly prioritizing a crackdown on illegal immigration, and my bill is consistent with those efforts.”
Warner emphasized his bill is intended to address only people who are in the country illegally and that he continues to support legal immigration.
Generally, a “sanctuary city” is one in which mayors and other elected officials have prevented their police from honoring an immigration detainer by failing to notify agents of the Department of Homeland Security of the pending release of an individual who has a detainer issued. This misguided attempt at preserving “human rights” ultimately threatens the safety of citizens legally residing in their communities.
“As Pennsylvanians and as Americans, we welcome people from around the world who wish to become American citizens through a legal immigration process,” Warner said. “Out of respect for these immigrants, and all American citizens, it is time we take a firm stand against illegal immigration.”
In addition to prohibiting a “sanctuary” designation, House Bill 403 would require a law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to believe an individual being arrested is not legally present in the United States to notify the appropriate Immigration and Customs Enforcement office within the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill also would grant legal standing to any person injured to sue a municipality or county that released an individual with a detainer and did not make a good faith effort to contact the proper immigration authorities and arrange for a transfer of custody.
House Bill 403 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
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