DOJ Releases List of Sanctuary Jurisdictions
On Monday, the Trump administration’s Department of Justice made public a list detailing states, cities, and counties that have either anticipated or engaged in legal disputes regarding sanctuary policies. These policies are seen as hindrances to effective immigration law enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondy remarked, “Sanctuary policies interfere with law enforcement and pose risks to American citizens.” She added that the DOJ is committed to pursuing lawsuits against these jurisdictions and will collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to dismantle such policies nationwide.
Nevada’s Republican Governor Joe Lombardo expressed his state’s disagreement with being included on the list, asserting, “Nevada is not a sanctuary state and will not be recognized as one under my governance.” His office further mentioned their commitment to adhering to federal immigration laws.
The list includes 18 cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico; Berkeley, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; New Orleans, Louisiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and San Francisco, California.
As of now, four counties are spotlighted: Baltimore County, Maryland; Cook County, Illinois; San Diego County, California; and San Francisco County, California. The states featured also include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Additionally, the District of Columbia is identified as another problematic jurisdiction.
The DOJ indicated that these locations have the chance to address their inclusion on the list.
Moreover, the DOJ specified that jurisdictions could be listed if they engage in practices that inhibit ICE and obstruct cooperation with federal authorities. This could involve withholding local funds from federal immigration efforts, refusing to respond to ICE requests, or establishing offices to advise unauthorized immigrants on evading law enforcement.
This list coincides with President Donald Trump’s April 28th Presidential Order mandating that the Attorney General publish such a list. The order, titled “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Foreigners,” aims to expose jurisdictions that resist federal immigration law enforcement.
In a recent lawsuit, New York City faced accusations of violating the U.S. Constitution, with demands for the annulment of its sanctuary policy. The government argued that these policies hinder federal immigration officials’ duties in the city.
Examples cited by the government include two unauthorized individuals, who allegedly attacked a customs officer and a border guard, being shielded from deportation due to New York’s sanctuary provisions.
The DOJ’s actions have already stimulated changes in some jurisdictions. Louisville, Kentucky, for example, recently repealed its sanctuary policy following warnings from the DOJ.
Mayor Craig Greenberg stated that the city would no longer be classified as a “sanctuary city,” noting the importance of compliance with federal immigration protocols.
