By: State Rep. Pauline Wendzel

This week, the Michigan House of Representatives took decisive action to uphold public safety and the rule of law by passing House Resolution 19. This measure ensures that communities with sanctuary policies—those that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement—will no longer be eligible for additional state funding. Effective immediately, no bill providing financial support to sanctuary jurisdictions will be brought to a vote in the House.

Michigan’s resources should support communities that enforce the law, not those that undermine it. Sanctuary policies create dangerous gaps in enforcement, allowing criminal illegal immigrants to evade federal authorities and jeopardizing the safety of law-abiding residents. It is fundamentally unfair for taxpayers to subsidize municipalities that openly defy federal immigration laws while expecting state support. With this resolution, House Republicans are standing firm: Michigan will not reward lawlessness.

This effort aligns with federal initiatives led by President Donald Trump and Border Czar Tom Homan, who have prioritized the removal of violent offenders. President Trump recently signed the Laken Riley Act, named for a Georgia nursing student tragically killed by a Venezuelan national. This law mandates federal detention for illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes, including theft, burglary, assaulting law enforcement, and offenses resulting in death or severe injury.

House Resolution 19 sends an unmistakable message—Michigan will not tolerate policies that put its citizens at risk. Public safety and the responsible allocation of taxpayer dollars must come first. House Republicans remain committed to enforcing immigration laws, holding criminals accountable, and restoring order to our system. This resolution is a victory for Michigan families, and we will continue fighting for policies that protect our communities, uphold our values, and ensure that the law is enforced equally across our state.