WASHINGTON, D.C. — North Texas Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne has introduced new legislation aimed at financially penalizing sanctuary cities and individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement or participating in riots that damage small businesses.
Van Duyne, a Republican and former mayor of Irving, filed the Recouping Funds from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025, which would require local governments that obstruct federal immigration enforcement to return unobligated federal funds they received. The bill applies to jurisdictions with policies that prohibit government officials from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, including those that refuse to share information about illegal foreign nationals or ignore detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“By actively harboring and protecting criminal illegal aliens, sanctuary cities create unnecessarily dangerous circumstances for both law enforcement and law-abiding citizens all across our country,” Van Duyne said.
Drawing on her experience as mayor of Irving, where she worked with ICE to remove thousands of criminal aliens, Van Duyne highlighted that the city became one of the safest in America for both citizens and immigrants under her leadership.
The bill includes a grace period allowing jurisdictions to reverse their policies and demonstrate cooperation with federal authorities before being required to return funds. It also retroactively applies to the past five years of federal funding.
The congresswoman also reintroduced the Stop Funding Rioters Act, which targets individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement or engaging in riot-related crimes that destroy small businesses. Those convicted would become ineligible for aid or participation in Small Business Administration programs.
“Taxpayer dollars should never be used to support individuals who violently attack law enforcement or destroy the livelihoods of hard-working Americans,” Van Duyne said. “I am committed to protecting law enforcement, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that federal programs serve those who contribute to, rather than destroy, our communities.”
Van Duyne pointed to a 500% increase in attacks against ICE officers in recent months as evidence of the growing threats facing federal agents and law enforcement.
The Texas lawmaker previously introduced the No Congressional Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act, which would prohibit congressional earmarks for state or local governments that adopt sanctuary policies.
Van Duyne’s proposals come as the national debate over immigration enforcement and public safety continues to intensify.
