Senate Republicans Target State, Local Immigration Policies

GOP lawmakers seek to limit cooperation between local governments and federal immigration enforcement.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Senate Republicans, led by Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, held a hearing to lay the groundwork for legislation that would prevent state and local governments from limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Graham argued that so-called 'sanctuary cities' undercut federal law, while Democrats pushed back, saying local police should not be 'commandeered' to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents without warrants.

Why it matters

This debate reflects the ongoing tensions between federal, state, and local authorities over immigration enforcement. Republicans want to crack down on 'sanctuary' policies, while Democrats argue that local police should not be forced to act as 'a secret police' for ICE. The outcome could impact how immigration is policed across the country.

The details

During the hearing, Graham argued that sanctuary city policies should be banned, saying 'What's the upside of ignoring federal law and keeping people like this out of federal custody?' He did not cite specific legislation but introduced a bill last month that would make it unlawful for states and local governments to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Former DHS Secretary Chad Wolf, testifying for Republicans, agreed that 'the era of sanctuary cities needs to come to an end.' Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Merkley, pushed back, arguing that ICE has conducted aggressive enforcement, even killing some U.S. citizens, and that local police should not be 'commandeered' to assist without warrants.

  • The Senate Budget Committee hearing took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Graham

Republican senator from South Carolina and chair of the Senate Budget Committee.

Chad Wolf

Former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

Jeff Merkley

Democratic senator from Oregon and the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee.

Sheldon Whitehouse

Democratic senator from Rhode Island.

Alex Padilla

Democratic senator from California.

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What they’re saying

“What's the upside of ignoring federal law and keeping people like this out of federal custody? It's a political choice.”

— Lindsey Graham, Senate Budget Committee Chair

“To restore the rule of law, the era of sanctuary cities needs to come to an end.”

— Chad Wolf, Former DHS Secretary

“Sanctuary is a bit of a misnomer. It refers to the decision that local police will serve as local police and not be commandeered to be assisting ICE agents.”

— Jeff Merkley, Democratic Senator

“It is binding law that state and local officials who hold somebody under an ICE detainer, where ICE hasn't bothered to get a warrant, can be held civilly liable.”

— Sheldon Whitehouse, Democratic Senator

“Gas prices are spiking because of an unauthorized war with Iran.”

— Alex Padilla, Democratic Senator

What’s next

The Senate Budget Committee is expected to hold a future hearing focused on the rising cost of living and affordability issues, as requested by some Democratic members.

The takeaway

This hearing highlights the ongoing political battle over immigration enforcement, with Republicans seeking to crack down on 'sanctuary' policies and Democrats arguing that local law enforcement should not be forced to assist federal immigration agents without proper legal procedures. The outcome could have significant implications for how immigration is policed across the country.