Contact Congress about H.R. 611: Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025

Some crime victims could sue a state or city that ignored a lawful federal immigration hold request. Cities and states that take certain federal grants would have to accept that legal risk. Officers who follow the federal request would usually shift detention lawsuits to the United States government.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Latest action on H.R. 611: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects crime victims, their families, and states or cities with policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It also affects local officers who follow federal immigration hold requests. Federal agencies and courts could see more cases if victims sue or detention claims shift to the United States government.

Why this matters: This bill could change how states and cities respond to federal immigration hold requests. Governments that limit cooperation could face new lawsuits after certain serious crimes. Crime victims could gain a direct path to seek money damages. Local officers may also feel less legal risk when they follow federal requests, because many detention lawsuits would shift to the United States government.

Key provisions in H.R. 611

• A state or local government counts as a sanctuary jurisdiction if it blocks officials from sharing immigration-status information or refuses certain Department of Homeland Security hold or release-notice requests. The bill makes an exception for crime victims and witnesses.
• Victims of murder, rape, or any state felony could sue a state or city that ignored a lawful federal immigration hold or notice request for the alien offender. If the victim died or is permanently unable to act, close family could sue instead.
• A lawsuit can move forward only if the alien has been arrested, convicted, or sentenced to at least one year in prison for the covered crime.
• Victims would have 10 years to sue. The clock starts from the crime or from a death caused by the crime, whichever is later.
• If victims win, the court must make the government pay reasonable lawyer fees and expert witness costs.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 611

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 611

What is H.R. 611?

Some crime victims could sue a state or city that ignored a lawful federal immigration hold request. Cities and states that take certain federal grants would have to accept that legal risk. Officers who follow the federal request would usually shift detention lawsuits to the United States government.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 611?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 611?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 611 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.