WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats have blocked legislation to crack down on “sanctuary cities” that shield residents from federal immigration authorities.
The 54-45 vote on the measure fell shy of the 60 required to move to final vote on the bill, which Republicans have pushed since the July 1 shooting of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco. The man charged in the killing was in the country illegally despite a long criminal record and multiple prior deportations.
The bill by Louisiana Sen. David Vitter would punish jurisdictions that prohibit the collection of immigration information or don’t cooperate with federal requests, blocking them from receiving certain grants and funds.
Angry Democrats accused Republicans of aligning themselves with Donald Trump and his anti-immigrant views. The White House threatened to veto the bill.
