In a renewed effort to address immigration enforcement, the Trump administration reportedly announced plans to release a new list of sanctuary cities that are reportedly not in compliance with federal immigration laws.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this development during a briefing, indicating that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would soon publish an updated and accurate list of these jurisdictions.
The previous list, mandated by an executive order from Trump, was removed just days ago, prompting criticism from city leaders concerned about their inclusion.
Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency, stating, “The Department of Homeland Security will be releasing a new list of sanctuary cities.”
This announcement follows a recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, which has intensified scrutiny on states that have adopted sanctuary policies.
These policies are designed to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, a stance that some argue undermines public safety. Colorado’s sanctuary protections were enacted just a month before the attack, raising questions about their implications.
Responding to inquiries about the administration’s strategy to combat non-compliance, Leavitt noted that President Trump has signed executive orders directing the attorney general to prosecute local and state officials who fail to uphold federal immigration laws.
This approach aims to hold jurisdictions accountable for their policies, which the administration views as obstructive to federal immigration enforcement.
Trump’s recent executive order reiterated that jurisdictions refusing to comply with federal immigration law risk losing federal funding.
The order mandates that the U.S. attorney general and the secretary of Homeland Security pursue legal remedies against non-compliant jurisdictions. It underscores a broader goal: to ensure that immigrants are not prioritized over American citizens in local governance.
The previous DHS list had labeled various cities and states as “sanctuary jurisdictions,” highlighting those that obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
Under the reissued directive, these jurisdictions will be notified of their non-compliance, giving them an opportunity to align their policies with federal law.
Leavitt’s remarks reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to address what it sees as a critical issue in national security.
The administration contends that sanctuary policies contribute to public safety risks by shielding individuals who may not comply with federal immigration laws.
As the Trump administration prepares to unveil the new list, the debate over sanctuary cities is likely to intensify. Advocates for immigration reform argue that these protections are necessary for community safety and trust, while opponents contend that they undermine the rule of law.
The forthcoming list and the administration’s enforcement strategies will undoubtedly shape the discourse on immigration in the months ahead, as both sides of the debate brace for a renewed confrontation over this contentious issue.
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