Attorney General Announces Action Against Sanctuary Cities
Greenville, South Carolina – Attorney General Pam Bondy, who has taken the lead in overseeing Washington, D.C. police at President Donald Trump’s request, revealed on Thursday that she has sent letters to sanctuary cities nationwide. The letters demand compliance with federal immigration laws, outlining drastic measures to confront those that oppose such laws, particularly in states like South Carolina, New York, and California.
During a visit to Greenville for a discussion with other officials, including State Attorney General Alan Wilson and local law enforcement, Bondy shared insights on her latest directives. “I’ve reached out to 32 mayors and several governors,” she said, stressing the urgency, “You’d better stick to federal policies, or we’ll hold you accountable.” The mayors, it seems, have just about a week to respond, and it’ll be interesting to see who reacts.
Bondy further announced on social media that the Department of Justice has issued a “letter of demand” targeting sanctuary jurisdictions as part of a broader initiative to eliminate such policies. She emphasized the stark message: “Sanctuary jurisdictions will either engage in talks with us or face lawsuits.”
Legal Movements Against Sanctuary Policies
In another angle of the discussion, Bondy pointed to the recent surge in retirement applications among New York City police officers following the election of democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani. She didn’t hold back in criticizing Mayor Eric Adams for his handling of sanctuary policies. According to Bondy, strong leadership is crucial for public safety, especially with recent collaborations in federal immigration enforcement.
“It all comes from the top; our leaders need to back law enforcement,” she stated, indicating the inherent dangers police face daily, and the support they need from government bodies.
Wilson highlighted a specific case involving the killing of Laken Riley, a nursing student from Georgia. The suspect was arrested in New York City under the sanctuary policy before being released, which raised serious concerns. “We need to ensure that we’re supporting our law enforcement across all states,” Wilson remarked, clearly recalling the tragedy that unfolded.
Bondy also sent a pointed letter to California’s Governor Gavin Newsom regarding individuals leveraging their official positions to undermine federal immigration enforcement. She argued that cooperation between federal and local law agencies is key to maintaining public safety.
Public Safety and Interagency Cooperation
During her address in Greenville, Bondy referred to South Carolina as a model for effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies. She expressed appreciation for Wilson’s efforts in strengthening partnerships with organizations like the FBI and the DEA, citing recent successes in combatting fentanyl trafficking—an alarming issue highlighted by a recent seizure in the state.
Furthermore, Bondy remarked on the ongoing evaluation of federal grants and assistance to identify potential illegal activities related to sanctuary policies. Her steadfast stance is clear: “The Department of Justice will persist in filing lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions.” A recent list from the DOJ identified several states, including California, New York, Colorado, and Illinois, as locations facing legal action due to their immigration policies.
Interestingly, the Illinois case has seen some setback, a federal judge previously ruling in favor of the state, insisting that local policies are constitutionally protected. The Department of Justice, however, retains the option to appeal or adjust their claims as needed.
As the situation evolves, the correspondence and actions taken by Bondy and her team reveal a robust approach to the contentious immigration policies that are stirring up debates across the nation.
