LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Louisiana could ban so-called “sanctuary cities” under a bill that takes aim at New Orleans and Lafayette.

The state house judiciary committee has approved a bill that would prohibit local governments and state agencies from adopting so-called sanctuary policies on illegal immigrants.

A sanctuary city is a label for cities that have policies or local laws in place that limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with the U.S. immigration and customs enforcement.

“Sanctuary cities around this country pose a grave threat to American citizens in those cities,” said Attorney General Jeff Landry, “Sanctuary cities harbor people who are illegally here in this country.”

“We would be ultimately monetarily liable for detaining them longer and be open to a law suit,” said the Lafayette Sheriff’s Department Director of Corrections Rob Reardon.

House Bill’s 151 and 453 passed the house judiciary committee without opposition and now go to the full house for consideration.

“We believe that the bills that are running through the legislature,” said Landry, “are common sense pieces of legislation which will help protect our community.”