Treasure Coast Rep. Mast's Bill to Defund Sanctuary Cities Advances
The Shut Down Sanctuary Policies Act, authored by the Palm City Republican, cleared the House Judiciary Committee on a 22-11 vote, targeting jurisdictions that limit immigration enforcement cooperation.
A bill authored by Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) that would cut federal funding to cities and counties that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities advanced out of committee Thursday after clearing a key House panel on a 22-11 vote.
The Shut Down Sanctuary Policies Act (H.R. 7640), introduced by Mast in the 119th Congress, was ordered reported as amended by the House Judiciary Committee on March 5, 2026. The legislation would penalize jurisdictions that maintain so-called sanctuary policies — local rules that limit how much local law enforcement agencies cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests and information-sharing. The precise federal funding streams targeted by the bill and the enforcement mechanism were not immediately available from the committee report.
For residents of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties, the bill's passage out of committee signals that Mast — who represents FL-21, covering Martin and St. Lucie counties — is advancing a flagship immigration enforcement priority. None of the three Treasure Coast counties have formally adopted sanctuary policies, but local governments in the region receive federal grants through the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security that could be subject to compliance requirements under the bill's framework.
The legislation faces a divided response. Supporters argue the measure closes a loophole that allows local governments to obstruct federal immigration law. Critics, including the 11 committee members who voted against advancing the bill, contend it undermines local authority and could strain community policing relationships.
The bill now heads to the full House floor for consideration. No floor vote has been scheduled as of this report.
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