Senator Eric Schmitt Unveils Sweeping Bill to Target Sanctuary Cities and Bolster ICE Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, introduced a comprehensive legislative package on February 5, 2026, designed to confront sanctuary cities and strengthen protections for federal immigration officers. Dubbed the Protect America Act, the bill encompasses a four-part strategy aimed at punishing jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, increasing penalties for illegal entry and reentry, enhancing safeguards for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and defunding nongovernmental organizations accused of undermining immigration enforcement.
The legislation emerges amid growing friction between federal agencies and local governments that have adopted sanctuary policies, which often restrict collaboration with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. These policies have, according to proponents of the bill, hindered efforts to enforce immigration laws and contributed to unrest in cities where ICE operations have sparked protests.
Senator Schmitt’s Protect America Act seeks to hold sanctuary cities accountable by imposing federal penalties and withholding certain funds, a move that aligns with previous Republican efforts to curtail sanctuary policies. The bill also proposes to increase criminal penalties for individuals who illegally enter or reenter the United States, aiming to deter repeated violations of immigration laws.
In addition to targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, the legislation prioritizes the safety and authority of federal officers. It calls for enhanced protections for ICE agents, who have faced hostility and protests in various cities. The bill further directs scrutiny towards nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits that federal lawmakers allege are involved in activities that obstruct immigration enforcement. By proposing to defund these groups, the bill reflects a broader effort to reinforce federal control over immigration matters.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been at the center of recent tensions, as federal immigration operations have intensified in sanctuary cities. According to DHS officials, these operations are critical to national security and law enforcement, but they have also sparked significant opposition from local officials and activists.
Senator Schmitt, who has been vocal about immigration enforcement, emphasized the need for a robust federal response to what he described as “coordinated national operations” by anti-ICE groups. He urged the Department of Justice to investigate these grassroots movements, which have organized protests and blockades aimed at disrupting ICE activities.
The Protect America Act arrives as immigration remains a contentious issue in the 2026 election cycle, with debates over border security, federal authority, and local governance continuing to dominate political discourse. Critics of sanctuary policies argue that such jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and endanger public safety, while opponents contend that sanctuary cities protect immigrant communities and foster trust between residents and law enforcement.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency highlights ongoing challenges at the border, with fluctuating numbers of apprehensions and attempts to enter the country illegally. The Protect America Act aims to address these challenges by reinforcing existing laws and empowering federal agents to carry out their duties without interference.
As the bill moves through the Senate, it is expected to spark vigorous debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Supporters hail it as a necessary measure to restore order and uphold immigration laws, while opponents warn it could escalate tensions and undermine community relations.
For now, Senator Schmitt’s proposal signals a renewed Republican push to reshape immigration policy and assert federal authority over sanctuary jurisdictions, setting the stage for a pivotal battle in the ongoing immigration debate.
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