West MI counties refute sanctuary jurisdictions list
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Kalamazoo and Kent counties were among the eight local governments listed as 'sanctuary jurisdictions' by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday. However, county leaders say the department got it wrong.
The list highlights communities DHS officials claim are deliberately obstructing federal immigration law enforcement.
'These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,' said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in the press release. '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.'
The effort is part of the executive order issued by President Donald Trump in late April. Once on the list, the local governments will get a formal notification of non-compliance, and all potential federal violations.
Kent County's Assistant Administrator said it was 'erroneously listed.'
'Kent County is not—and has never been—a sanctuary county,' said Lori Latham in a statement to News 8. 'The Kent County Sheriff's Office has consistently maintained a cooperative relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and all other law enforcement partners.' She said the county is working with federal partners to get it off the list.
Kalamazoo County said the designation is 'inaccurate' and that the county has never declared to be a sanctuary county, nor do they have policies to interfere with federal immigration law enforcement.
'We have, however, publicly stated our values as a welcoming and inclusive community – a belief that all people should be treated with dignity and fairness,' Kalamazoo County said in a statement.'These values are fully consistent with following the law, and we remain committed to both.'
The county follows state and federal laws in all parts of governance including when providing public services, they said. That includes health care, housing support, public safety and economic development programs.
'Unfortunately, false labels from the federal government can have real consequences. When the County is incorrectly listed as non-compliant, it puts important federal funding at risk,' the county said. 'That directly impacts the families, workers, and neighborhoods who rely on these services – even though the County is fully following the law.'
Board of County Commissioners Chair Jen Strebs said the label pulls away from public service.
'There's no contradiction between treating people with dignity and upholding the law,' Strebs said in a statement.
'That's not just what our community deserves – it's a core value and guiding principle for how we live and serve here in Kalamazoo County. And that's exactly what we'll keep doing.'
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News 8 reached out to DHS to learn what exactly led them to consider Kalamazoo County as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction.'
While a spokesperson did not provide specific reasons, they shared what some of the conditions could be.
'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,' the spokesperson said.
They added that the list will be regularly reviewed, updated and can change at any time.
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