A new bill proposed by Republican Representative Burgess Owens of Utah aims to impose strict penalties on sanctuary cities that transport illegal immigrants into non-sanctuary areas. The legislation, known as the Sanctuary City Oversight and Responsibility in Enforcement (SCORE) Act, was introduced in response to incidents like the one earlier this year when Denver officials sent migrants to Salt Lake City without prior notice.
Rep. Owens, a vocal advocate for stronger border security and the rule of law, announced the bill on Friday, emphasizing its intent to hold sanctuary cities accountable for managing the migrants they’ve welcomed. “If this administration won’t fight for American safety, security, and rule of law, our Republican majority will,” Owens stated. He further elaborated on the bill’s purpose in a video posted on social media, expressing his frustration with sanctuary cities that have supported open borders but are now struggling with the consequences.
“My message to these sanctuary cities is simple — you cheered on open borders and you welcomed these migrants with open arms,” Owens said in the video. “Now that your resources and services are overwhelmed, you will not be allowed to ship these desperate people into our communities.”
The SCORE Act would specifically target the use of FEMA Shelter and Services Program (SSP) funding, preventing sanctuary cities from using federal money to transport migrants to other municipalities without the consent of local authorities. Additionally, the bill mandates that any migrants being relocated must have a documented sponsor at their destination to avoid burdening the local government with shelter responsibilities.
Furthermore, the legislation would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce quarterly reports on the use of FEMA grants to ensure compliance with the new rules.
Rep. Owens was inspired to propose this legislation after learning that Denver authorities had quietly sent over 1,500 migrants to Salt Lake City, placing strain on the city’s resources without prior notice. Owens criticized this practice, attributing it to the Biden administration’s “open border agenda” and its impact on communities like Salt Lake City.
“Self-declared sanctuary cities like Denver have been quietly sending migrants to non-sanctuary cities like Salt Lake City as the Biden-Harris open border agenda overwhelms resources,” Owens said. “My new bill cuts off this funding and closes the loophole that’s fueling this crisis in Utah.”
The proposed bill reflects growing frustration among Republicans who argue that sanctuary cities should be responsible for the migrants they have chosen to welcome, rather than shifting the burden onto other communities. If passed, the SCORE Act would send a strong message that sanctuary cities must manage the consequences of their policies without relying on federal funds or imposing on other municipalities.
