Background on the Issue
The Trump administration, led by President Donald Trump, has been vocal about combating what he calls a “migration invasion.” As part of his initiative, the Republicans aim to take action against so-called “sanctuary cities,” which typically prevent local officials from informing federal agents about undocumented migrants who might face deportation.
The Decree and List Publication
On April 28, President Trump issued a decree announcing the publication of “a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the federal immigration laws.” The decree described this as an “unlawful insurrection against the supremacy of federal law and the federal government’s duty to protect U.S. territorial sovereignty.”
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Releases the List
On Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a list containing over 500 states, cities, and counties accused of deliberately and shamefully obstructing federal immigration laws. Notable cities on the list include San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, Santa Fe, and Philadelphia, among others.
DHS Demands Policy Changes
Kristi Noem, the head of DHS, stated in a press release, “These ‘sanctuary city’ politicians are putting American citizens and law enforcement at risk to protect violent illegal alien criminals.” The DHS is demanding that these jurisdictions “immediately review and modify their policies.”
Jurisdictions that fail to comply risk losing federal funding.
Legal Perspective on State and Local Cooperation
Benjamin Gonzalez O’Brien from the University of San Diego, and Loren Collingwood from the University of New Mexico, explain on The Conversation that while the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over immigration, there is no legal obligation for state or local governments to participate in or cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement. This would require legislation from Congress.
Previous Attempts to Limit Sanctuary City Funding
During Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021, he attempted to rescind federal grants from “sanctuary cities.” The case reached the Supreme Court, but the incoming administration under President Joe Biden requested that it be dismissed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are sanctuary cities? Sanctuary cities are local jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies, usually to avoid reporting the status of undocumented individuals who have not committed crimes.
- Why is the Trump administration targeting sanctuary cities? The administration aims to enforce stricter immigration policies and believes sanctuary cities hinder federal law enforcement’s ability to apprehend undocumented immigrants who pose a threat.
- What actions will the DHS take against sanctuary cities? The DHS will demand policy changes from these jurisdictions and may withhold federal funding if they do not comply.
- Is there a legal obligation for local governments to assist federal immigration enforcement? No, there is no legal requirement for state or local governments to participate in federal immigration law enforcement, as it would necessitate congressional legislation.
