Senate Dems block bill to crack down on ‘sanctuary cities’

A map from the Center for Immigration Studies shows sanctuary cities all over the country. (Photo: Center for Immigration Studies) — A map from the Center for Immigration Studies shows sanctuary cities in Kansas and all over the country. (Photo: Center for Immigration Studies)

MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats have blocked legislation to crack down on “sanctuary cities” that shield residents from federal immigration authorities.

The 54-45 vote on the measure fell shy of the 60 required to move to final vote on the bill, which Republicans have pushed since the July 1 shooting of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco. The man charged in the killing was in the country illegally despite a long criminal record and multiple prior deportations.

U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) voted to block federal funding from going to so-called “sanctuary cities” that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

The bill by Louisiana Sen. David Vitter would punish jurisdictions that prohibit the collection of immigration information or don’t cooperate with federal requests, blocking them from receiving certain grants and funds.

Angry Democrats accused Republicans of aligning themselves with Donald Trump and his anti-immigrant views. The White House threatened to veto the bill. Across the U.S., there are 340 cities, counties, and states that are considered sanctuary cities.