First on Fox: A conservative legal group is establishing “sanctuary” jurisdictions across the United States ahead of expected mass deportations by the United States The incoming Trump administration.
America First Legal says it has notified nearly 250 officials in jurisdictions that limit or prohibit local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that there may be legal consequences for interfering with the feds or for hiding illegal immigrants.
President-elect Trump has promised to launch a “historic” deportation campaign while he is in office, and his transition team has already taken concrete steps toward that goal. America First Legal's president is Stephen Miller, who will serve as deputy chief of staff for policy in the Trump White House.
President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scottri)
But a number of Democratic officials in states including Arizona, Colorado, California and Massachusetts said they would not cooperate with the process. Tom Homan, a border official in the Trump administration, hinted that there may be legal consequences for those who get in the way of the process.
Proponents of sanctuary policies argue that local jurisdictions cannot be forced to assist the government, and that preventing ICE cooperation encourages law-abiding illegal immigrants to work with police and report crimes, making the area safer. Opponents say these policies lead to the release of criminals who could be sent back to the streets.
AFL Notice The letter to the 249 officials says the federal government has ultimate authority over immigration, and points to provisions in federal law that prohibit state and local governments from restricting communications with DHS about immigration status, and that make concealing, harboring, or protecting an illegal immigrant It is necessary. Federal crime.
The group argues that sanctuary policies could therefore give rise to criminal liability, and that victims of illegal immigrant crimes may be able to sue for damages.
“We have defined your jurisdiction as A Sanctuary State Which violates federal law. Such lawlessness exposes you and your subordinates to a significant risk of criminal and civil liability. Accordingly, we are sending this letter to notify you of this danger and to insist that you comply with the laws of our country.”
The group also launches A New website Which gives users a map of “sanctuary strongholds,” identifying jurisdictions that have sanctuary policies, and providing contact information for elected officials.
Revere, M.A. – September 25: ICE agents made arrests on September 25, 2019 in Revere, Massachusetts. (Staff photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
The group also announced that it has also filed a petition with the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women to obtain data on citizenship status and citizenship information against those accused of a wide range of crimes against women and children, including domestic violence, murder, and child abuse. Additionally, it makes requests to officials, including mayors and governors, across the United States for information about organizations it believes are undermining enforcement of federal immigration laws.
In a statement, America First Legal Senior Vice President Reed D. Rubenstein noted what happened recently Arrest of an illegal immigrant in New York City regarding the death of a woman who was set on fire and burned to death as “another reminder that open borders and sanctuary powers are just crazy.”
“The left-wing politicians who created and run them, and those who support them, are endangering our citizens, undermining our Constitution, and dangerously eroding the rule of law. America First Legal will continue to work tirelessly to protect and uphold our immigration laws. The brave men and women who “Implementing these measures is only the first step in our fight against lawlessness.”
The new ads highlight what could be a fierce battle between the Trump administration and its allies, Democrats and left-wing activists over the deportation campaign and the extent to which it can be resisted at the state and local levels.
Click here for more coverage of the border security crisis
Some have doubled down on their opposition, with the Boston City Council recently voting to limit ICE cooperation and bar police from keeping immigrants in detention for possible deportation unless there is a criminal warrant.
decision “The mass deportation proposals represent a direct attack on immigrant families in Boston and threaten to tear communities apart,” the council that approved it states.
However, some Democratic officials have expressed a willingness to work with the incoming administration. Homan met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams last week to discuss potential areas of cooperation, including deporting violent illegal immigrant criminals. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also said he wants to deport “undocumented violent felons convicted of violent crimes,” and said he would welcome meeting with Homan.
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Fox News reported this month about new data presented to Congress that showed its existence 1.4 million non-citizens Who have removal orders but are not currently in ICE custody.
