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Congress·In Committee·25 days ago

Senate Protect America Act Would Cut Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities, Hike Prison Terms for Illegal Entry

Also known as: Protect America Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • States and cities would lose federal money for housing, transit, and law enforcement if they have policies that block cooperation with immigration officers. To keep their funding, local governments must share information about people in their jails and honor requests to hold them for federal agents.
  • The bill significantly increases jail time for crossing the border illegally. A first-time offense could lead to 5 years in prison, while people who return after being deported could face up to 20 years. It also requires that anyone charged with illegal entry be kept in jail without bond until their trial is over.
  • International students would be barred from getting visas to attend colleges or schools located in cities that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement. This restriction would only be lifted once the city changes its policies and starts working with federal authorities.
  • New protections for federal officers would make it a crime to use loud noises, such as megaphones or whistles, to disrupt their work. Additionally, the bill increases the prison sentences for anyone who assaults a federal employee, with some crimes carrying a minimum of 5 years in prison.
  • Charity groups and nonprofits would lose their tax-exempt status if they promote or support criminal violence. This change would mean these organizations have to pay federal taxes and would likely make it harder for them to raise money from donors.
ImmigrationCriminal JusticeEconomy FinanceEducation

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 5, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Feb 5, 2026

Introduced in Senate

Related News

1 article
Fox News·25 days ago

Sweeping bill to crush sanctuary cities, protect ICE agents unveiled in Senate

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Protect America Act, a legislative package designed to punish sanctuary cities by conditioning federal funding on cooperation with ICE. The bill also increases penalties for illegal entry and reentry and protects federal agents from interference.

R+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Protect America Act

Bill NumberS 3790
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.