‘Sheer insanity’: Conservative watchdog puts ‘sanctuary’ officials on notice ahead of Trump deportation push
A conservative legal group, America First Legal, is taking action against “sanctuary” jurisdictions across the United States in preparation for an anticipated mass deportation by the incoming Trump administration. The group, led by president Stephen Miller, has sent notices to nearly 250 officials in jurisdictions that restrict or prohibit local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), warning of potential legal consequences for interfering with federal authorities or hiding illegal immigrants.
President-elect Trump has promised a significant deportation campaign once he takes office, with his transition team already taking steps to achieve that goal. Despite this, several Democratic officials in states such as Arizona, Colorado, California, and Massachusetts have declared they will not cooperate with the operation. Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, has suggested that there could be legal repercussions for those who obstruct the deportation efforts.
Supporters of sanctuary policies argue that local jurisdictions are not obligated to assist the federal government and that refusing ICE cooperation encourages law-abiding undocumented immigrants to collaborate with law enforcement, making communities safer. On the other hand, opponents claim that these policies result in the release of deportable criminals back into society.
America First Legal’s notice letter to officials highlights the federal government’s authority over immigration and cites clauses in federal law that prohibit state and local governments from restricting communication with the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigration status. The group argues that sanctuary policies can lead to criminal liability, and victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants may be able to seek damages.
In addition to the notices, America First Legal has launched a website that maps out sanctuary jurisdictions and provides contact information for elected officials. The group has also filed a petition with the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women to request data on citizenship status and nationality information for individuals charged with crimes against women and children.
The recent arrest of an undocumented immigrant in New York City in connection with the death of a woman who was set on fire underscores the dangers of sanctuary jurisdictions, according to Reed D. Rubenstein, Senior Vice President of America First Legal. Rubenstein emphasized the group’s commitment to upholding immigration laws and supporting law enforcement officials.
The pushback against sanctuary policies sets the stage for a potential clash between the Trump administration and its allies against Democrats and left-wing activists. While some officials have reaffirmed their opposition to deportation efforts, others, like New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, have expressed willingness to cooperate with the incoming administration on deporting violent criminal immigrants.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues to unfold, America First Legal’s actions signal a firm stance against sanctuary jurisdictions and a commitment to upholding federal immigration laws. The group’s efforts underscore the ongoing struggle to balance immigration enforcement with local autonomy and public safety.
