U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, addressed the Senate on February 4, 2026, criticizing Democratic lawmakers for what he described as efforts to expand sanctuary city policies nationwide. He argued that such measures would undermine law enforcement and public safety.
Barrasso referenced recent legislative activity, noting that President Trump had signed five appropriations bills into law, funding 96 percent of the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year. He credited the Appropriations Committee, led by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, for advancing these bills through standard procedures in Congress. According to Barrasso, only the Department of Homeland Security remains unfunded and Republicans are prepared to finalize its budget.
He stated: “Democrats are holding that funding hostage. Democrats have an unreasonable – and growing – list of demands. Democrats’ demands would undermine law enforcement. Democrats’ demands would make America less safe.”
Barrasso highlighted concerns about local police being asked to disregard federal immigration laws under certain Democratic proposals. He cited a Washington Post editorial from February 4, 2026, which suggested that cities should transfer dangerous illegal immigrants in their jails to federal authorities rather than rely on sanctuary policies.
He also pointed to the Laken Riley Act as an example of effective cooperation between local and federal officials: “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.”
Barrasso criticized actions taken in New York City and Minnesota regarding immigration enforcement cooperation. He claimed that since last year, New York has released 7,000 illegal immigrant criminals instead of transferring them to federal custody and gave a specific example involving a convicted sex offender who was released rather than handed over to federal authorities.
“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,” Barrasso said.
He expressed support for ending sanctuary city policies entirely and mentioned legislation introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) aimed at stopping interference with federal immigration enforcement by state and local officials.
“Republicans welcome a debate about immigration enforcement. 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, while Republicans stand on the side of making America safe,” Barrasso concluded.
