DHS Publishes, Removes Sanctuary List After Law Enforcement Complaints
Controversy was brewing as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list of over 500 jurisdictions around the nation it claimed are sanctuary jurisdictions, protecting illegal immigrants and violating federal law.
However, the list was soon taken down after complaints were lodged from law enforcement around the nation who were confused over the metrics of the list and called it an “arbitrary label.”
The list was posted on Thursday, May 29 and removed on Sunday, June 1. It contained the names of cities, countries, and states. Overall, entities in 37 states were named. Publication was required under an executive order issued by President Trump.
“We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a statement announcing list publication.
DHS demanded that the jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws.
“Arbitrary Label”
Soon after the list was published, there were a string of complaints, including from jurisdictions who said they should not be on the list and have been in full compliance with federal law.
Those expressing surprise that their entities were included include the mayors of Boise, Idaho, and San Diego, California, as well as sheriff’s offices around the country including in Ohio, Idaho, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
“Prior to this publication, Shawano County (WI) had not received any formal notification from federal authorities regarding any non-compliance issues.,” said Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzne.
There was also criticism from the National Sheriffs Association (NSA).
“This list was created without any input, criteria of compliance, or a mechanism for how to object to the designation. Sheriffs nationwide have no way to know what they must do or not do to avoid this arbitrary label,” said NSA President Kieran Donahue, sheriff of Canyon County, Idaho.
For its part, DHS said the list can be updated and changed at any time.
"Designation of a sanctuary jurisdiction is based on the evaluation of numerous factors, including self-identification as a Sanctuary Jurisdiction, noncompliance with Federal law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws, restrictions on information sharing, and legal protections for illegal aliens," said a DHS statement.
Targeting Sanctuary Jurisdictions
The publication of the list was part of the Trump Administration’s broader policy of cracking down on so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. For example, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ended cooperation on naturalization ceremonies with sanctuary jurisdictions. The administration also vowed to review disaster aid and other financial assistance that heads to such jurisdictions.