U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, spoke on the Senate floor criticizing Democratic proposals that would expand sanctuary city policies across the country. Barrasso argued that such measures would make American cities less safe and hinder law enforcement efforts.
Barrasso stated, “When liberal cities provide sanctuary for criminals, they deny safety for law-abiding citizens. If immigration law is ignored nationwide, almost anyone who enters the United States illegally could remain here for the rest of their life. Preventing cooperation between state and federal officials would make the chaos of Joe Biden’s wide-open borders permanent.”
He referenced recent legislative activity, noting that President Trump had signed five appropriations bills funding 96 percent of the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. Barrasso said, “We accomplished all this through the normal appropriations process. This is how Congress is supposed to work.” He credited Senator Susan Collins of Maine and the Appropriations Committee for their role in advancing these bills.
The remaining four percent of government funding concerns the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees immigration enforcement and other security functions. Barrasso said Republicans are ready to fund DHS but accused Democrats of delaying progress due to what he described as unreasonable demands related to immigration policy.
According to Barrasso, “Democrats’ demands would undermine law enforcement. Democrats’ demands would make America less safe.” He claimed that Democrats want local police to ignore federal immigration laws and criticized what he called a shift from defunding police departments to undermining national security.
Barrasso cited public opinion data indicating that most Americans support deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes and favor greater cooperation between local and federal authorities in these cases.
He also referred to a Washington Post editorial published on February 4, 2026, which he said urged Democratic leaders to increase cooperation with federal officials rather than maintain sanctuary policies.
Barrasso highlighted the impact of existing laws like the Laken Riley Act, stating: “Because of that law, DHS has detained an additional 20,000 illegal immigrants who otherwise would have been released back onto the streets of our communities.”
He pointed out actions by Democratic officials in New York and Minnesota as examples where state or city leaders have opposed cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Barrasso, such policies have resulted in thousands of individuals being released from custody instead of being transferred to federal authorities.
“Here is why sanctuary cities are so dangerous for law enforcement and the entire public,” Barrasso said. “In sanctuary cities, local officials refuse to transfer illegal immigrants – even convicted criminals – to federal law enforcement… That means federal agents are forced to find these convicted criminals in the community instead of a secure pick up at local jails.”
Barrasso specifically mentioned incidents in New York City where individuals previously deported or convicted were released rather than handed over to ICE.
He concluded by expressing his support for ending sanctuary city policies nationwide: “Personally, I want to end sanctuary cities and sanctuary city policies completely. And so do many of my Republican colleagues.” He noted legislation introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham aimed at preventing state and local interference with federal immigration enforcement.
“Republicans welcome a debate about immigration enforcement,” Barrasso said. “Republicans are for cooperation. Democrats are for chaos. Republicans are for enforcing the law. Democrats are for sanctuary cities, and once again side with illegal immigrant[s], while Republicans stand on the side of making America safe.”
