Lindsey Graham vows to push sanctuary city ban if he chairs Judiciary Committee in 2027

Senator Lindsey Graham said he would move to end sanctuary city policies nationwide if he becomes chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2027.

“I fully expect to be Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2027 after Republicans retain control of the U.S. Senate. As Chairman, my top priority will be to pass legislation that once and for all ends sanctuary city policies that lead to massive rip offs of the taxpayer and much worse – if it is still an issue in 2027,” Graham posted on X on Saturday. “For the sake of the country, I hope it will not be.”

“Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Graham added, copying a line President Donald Trump often uses to sign off his social media posts.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is currently chaired by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley previously introduced legislation in 2015 aimed at targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, including a bill that would have blocked federal funding for local governments that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials.

More recently, the Trump administration has threatened to cut funding for sanctuary cities. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club earlier this month, Trump said, “Starting February 1, we are not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens.”

The Department of Homeland Security has also publicly criticized sanctuary jurisdictions. In a post on X, DHS said, “Why are DHS law enforcement surging to sanctuary cities? Because sanctuary jurisdictions won’t let us in their jails to arrest the violent criminal illegal aliens in their custody.”

“As a result, DHS officers are forced to find the released criminal illegal aliens on the streets WITHOUT the support of local law enforcement. Local law enforcement cannot respond to calls for backup when our officers are attacked, assaulted, or obstructed,” DHS added. “Sanctuary politicians are fighting for criminal illegal aliens. President Trump and Secretary Noem are fighting for the victims of illegal alien crime.”