Posted: Feb 09, 2016 2:27 PM PST
Updated: Feb 09, 2016 3:02 PM PST

RICHMOND, Va (WVIR) -
The Virginia Senate is telling local governments to obey federal immigration law.

State senators passed two bills Tuesday in an attempt to crack down on potential "sanctuary cities."

Republicans and Democrats have been going back and forth on the issue for the last two days, leading to some lively floor debates.

Ultimately the GOP-controlled Senate voted through bills – SB 270 and SB 705 - that would punish local governments if they have policies working against the enforcement of federal law.

The first measure would cut funding from local governments that violate federal immigration law. The other bill would make such sanctuary cities financially on the hook for personal injury or property damage done by an undocumented immigrant.

It's unclear at this point if any cities in the commonwealth actually qualify as a sanctuary city.

"We don't need this and I would ask that the body not support it," said 31st. District Senator Barbara Favola (D).

"If there are no sanctuary cities, why not pass the bill?" asked 22nd District Senator Tom Garret (R).

Supporters of the bills say this legislation encourages local governments to comply with the rule of law.

Those arguing against them say these bills are unnecessary.

The discussion over sanctuary cities came into the spotlight after an incident last summer when a woman was gunned down in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant.

http://www.nbc29.com/story/31181118/...nctuary-cities