Sanctuary states and cities are "rogue jurisdictions" that should not receive federal grants, Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., told Newsmax on Friday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Harris said local governments that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities should face financial consequences, following the arrest of an illegal alien in Maryland accused of sexually abusing a minor for years.
"This fella had a deportation order," Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said. "The Democrats want to defund ICE. They want no deportations, even of people like this who commit horrendous acts against children."
The case involves a 32-year-old Salvadoran national arrested in Harford County, Maryland, on three counts of second-degree rape.
Court records indicate the suspect allegedly abused an underage girl beginning when she was in middle school.
The man received a final order of removal from an immigration judge in 2019 but remained in the United States throughout the Biden administration.
"Maryland is a sanctuary jurisdiction. The United States under [former President] Joe Biden was a sanctuary jurisdiction," Harris said. "I just don't understand it at all."
Harris also endorsed tougher federal action against sanctuary jurisdictions.
His comments came after Department of Homeland Security officials discussed possible penalties for states and cities that refuse to assist immigration enforcement efforts.
"We have to treat sanctuary jurisdictions like they are rogue jurisdictions that don't agree with federal policy," Harris said. "If you don't agree with that, then stop bellying up to the bar for federal dollars."
He specifically argued that jurisdictions refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should lose access to federal grants, including funding from the Department of Justice.
"They all want federal grants," Harris said. "Yet they won't participate with federal immigration authorities even to deport people like this man who committed such a horrendous crime against a child."
The Maryland Republican also weighed in on legislative priorities heading into the 2026 midterm elections, urging Senate Republicans to advance election-integrity measures contained in the SAVE America Act.
"The American people overwhelmingly believe in voter ID," Harris said. "They believe in making certain that only citizens can vote in federal elections."
Harris suggested Senate Republicans should revive the traditional "talking filibuster," requiring opponents to continuously hold the floor if they want to block legislation.
Turning to foreign policy, Harris expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with Iran following U.S. military action targeting the country's nuclear and missile programs.
"We have decimated the Iranians' nuclear capability," he said. "The next two to four months of negotiations are going to be very important to make sure this peace lasts."
He added that reopening the Strait of Hormuz should help lower energy prices and improve economic conditions for Americans.
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