FOX FIRST: Conservative legal groups are warning of “sanctuary” jurisdictions across the country ahead of expected mass deportations by the incoming Trump administration.
America First Legal has called on approximately 250 officials in jurisdictions that limit or prohibit cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to interfere with federal authorities or conceal illegal immigration. announced that it has been notified that there may be legal consequences.
President-elect Trump has promised to launch a “historic” deportation campaign while in office, and his transition team is already taking concrete steps toward that goal. Stephen Miller, who will serve as President Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, will become America First Legal’s chairman.
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But many Democratic officials in states including Arizona, Colorado, California and Massachusetts said they would not cooperate with the operation. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has suggested that those who stand in the way of the operation could face legal liability.
Proponents of sanctuary policies argue that local jurisdictions cannot be forced to support the government and that without ICE’s cooperation, law-abiding illegal immigrants are discouraged from working with police to report crimes. They encourage this and claim it will make the area safer. Opponents say the policy will result in criminals who would otherwise be deported being released back onto the streets.
The AFL’s letter to 249 officials states that the federal government has ultimate authority over immigration, prohibits state and local governments from restricting communication with DHS about immigration status, and prohibits state and local governments from restricting communication with DHS about immigration status. It points to provisions in federal law that make concealment, concealment, and concealment illegal. Immigration is a federal crime.
As a result, the group argues that sanctuary policies could lead to criminal liability and that victims of illegal immigration crimes could sue for damages.
“We have identified your jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction in violation of federal law. Such illegal conduct places you and your subordinates at significant risk of criminal and civil liability. Therefore, we are writing this letter to inform you of this risk and insist: “You will abide by the laws of our country,” the letter says.
The organization is also launching a new website that will provide users with a map of “sanctuary hubs,” identify jurisdictions with sanctuary policies, and provide contact information for elected officials.
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The group also filed a petition with the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women seeking data on the citizenship status and citizenship information of people charged with numerous crimes against women and children, including domestic violence, murder, and child abuse. He also announced what he had done. The agency is also asking officials, including mayors and governors, across the country to provide information on organizations they believe are interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
Reed D. Rubenstein, senior vice president of America First Legal, said in a statement that the recent arrest of an undocumented immigrant in connection with the arson and burning death of a woman in New York City was “a fresh reminder. ” he pointed out. Border and sanctuary jurisdictions are pure insanity. ”
“The left-wing politicians who create and run them, and those who support them, are endangering the public, undermining the Constitution, and dangerously eroding the rule of law. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our support. To the brave men and women who enforce it, today’s action is just the first step in our fight against sanctuary abuses.” Rubenstein said. said.
The new announcement shines a spotlight on what could be a fierce battle between the Trump administration and its allies, Democrats and left-wing activists over the deportation push and how far it can be resisted at the state and local level.
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The Boston City Council recently passed a resolution that limits cooperation with ICE and prohibits police from detaining immigrants for possible deportation unless there is a criminal warrant, prompting some to take a more vocal stance.
“The proposed mass deportation is a direct attack on Boston’s immigrant families and threatens to tear communities apart,” the council’s resolution said.
But some Democratic officials have indicated they are willing to work with the incoming administration. Mr. Homan met with New York City Mayor Eric Adams last week to discuss potential areas for cooperation, including deporting violent illegal immigrant criminals. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also said he wants to deport “violent criminals who are in the United States illegally and have been convicted of violent crimes,” and said he would welcome a meeting with Homan.
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Fox News reported this month on new data provided to Congress showing that there are 1.4 million noncitizens who have been ordered deported but are not currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
Adam Shaw is a political reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
Contact him at adam.shaw2@fox.com or at: Twitter.
