Sen. Lindsey Graham said Tuesday he intends to push legislation to end sanctuary city policies nationwide, aligning himself with President Donald Trump’s call to dismantle jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
“There is no upside to sanctuary city unless you’re a complete radical nut job,” Graham said during remarks at the White House as Trump signed legislation. “The cops hate it, fraud around sanctuary cities, and you’re gonna get more illegal immigration.”
President @realDonaldTrump, you have my word.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) February 3, 2026
I will not stop pushing my bill to end sanctuary cities until there are none.
To my Republican colleagues: the President supports this bill. Let’s deliver it to the American people and end the chaos for good. pic.twitter.com/KF1cvk20CG
Graham argued that sanctuary policies act as magnets for unauthorized migration and said they undermine border enforcement efforts.
“As long as 12 states have sanctuary policy, they’ll keep coming,” he said. “These magnets of illegal immigration have to go.”
He framed the proposal as a response to what he described as the consequences of the previous administration’s border approach.
“For four years, our border was obliterated,” Graham said. “They let them come in by the tens of millions, and they want to go back that way. We’re not going.”
Graham said the debate should focus on changing immigration policies rather than targeting individuals or agencies.
“It’s not Stephen Miller, it’s not Kristi Noem, it’s not me, it’s not you,” he said. “It’s policies that have been on the books that don’t work.”
He said he plans to force a vote on the issue in the Senate.
“I’m gonna take President Trump’s idea that it’s time to end the insane policy of sanctuary cities,” Graham said. “We’re gonna take it to the floor, and we’re gonna vote, and people in November are gonna get to see who they trust to keep the border secure, Schumer or Trump? I’m with Trump.”
Trump echoed Graham’s criticism of sanctuary policies, calling them “a sanctuary for criminals” and urging jurisdictions to turn over individuals sought by federal authorities.
“They could make our lives so much easier,” Trump said. “All they have to do is hand over their criminals, hand over people that came into our country illegally.”
Following the event, Graham reiterated his position in a post on social media.
“President [Donald Trump], you have my word,” Graham wrote. “I will not stop pushing my bill to end sanctuary cities until there are none. To my Republican colleagues: the President supports this bill. Let’s deliver it to the American people and end the chaos for good.”
