H.R. 3218

End Sanctuaries and Help Our American Homeless and Veterans Act or the Diamond and Silk Act

This bill imposes penalties on any state or local jurisdiction that has an ordinance, policy, or practice that prohibits or restricts federal, state, or local government entities, officials, or other personnel from enforcing or assisting with enforcing immigration laws.

Such a jurisdiction shall be barred from receiving any federal financial assistance, and certain funds that would have gone to the jurisdiction shall be reallocated to programs to reduce homelessness and address mental illness.

A victim (or certain family members if the victim is deceased) of any felony for which an alien was convicted and sentenced to at least one year in prison may sue a state or local jurisdiction if (1) the jurisdiction knew the alien was unlawfully present in the United States and released the alien prior to the crime's commission, or (2) the crime was a consequence of the jurisdiction refusing to honor a detainer or warrant issued for an alien believed to be unlawfully present and in violation of controlled substances laws. A prevailing plaintiff shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

A jurisdiction that receives federal financial assistance shall waive sovereign immunity against such lawsuits.