3 days ago
Trump administration targets DMV ‘sanctuary cities,' threatens federal action
WASHINGTON () — The Trump administration is increasing pressure on sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, threatening federal action.
A new released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday names hundreds of jurisdictions nationwide accused of obstructing immigration efforts — many of which are in the DMV.
'It is a danger to our democracy when the president is threatening state and local jurisdictions, by reducing their fines or holding those fines because they are simply serving and protecting their constituents,' said Ninfa Amador-Hernandez, policy manager with local immigrant advocacy group CASA.
Trump administration increases pressure on 'sanctuary jurisdictions' with public listing
Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions with policies in place to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, oftentimes not providing local resources for federal immigration enforcement.
Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Rockville, Takoma Park, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Manassas, Prince William County and Washington, D.C. were among the jurisdictions on the list put out by DHS.
The DHS claimed these jurisdictions 'undermine the rule of law and endanger the lives of Americans and Law Enforcement.'
Amador-Hernandez argued that local and state governments are within their rights to set policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
'These states have laws in place that limit their cooperation with ICE because, once again, states and localities should not be doing ICE's job. That is the federal government's job,' she said.
According to DHS, the goal of the list is to improve public safety and urge local governments to review and revise their policies.
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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, 'President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.'
CASA said these measures violate civil liberties and instill fear in immigrant communities.
'We've seen ICE, quote unquote, do its job by violating constitutional rights. More and more immigrant families — and even just families all around, regardless of their status — are concerned,' Amador-Hernandez said.
D.C. is one jurisdiction looking to make changes to its policies — with Mayor Muriel Bowser recently proposing to repeal the city's sanctuary statute.
'We don't think that having it [as] statute is the way to go,' she said.
The City of Alexandria, also named on the list, said the federal government's actions misrepresent the city's stance.
'Action by the federal government wrongly targets and mischaracterizes Alexandria and dismisses core principles that make up the foundation of our democracy. The City of Alexandria is committed to upholding the constitutional and civil rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status,' city leaders said.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich a similar sentiment, writing, in part:
This designation, like many other actions taken by this administration, is about criminalizing immigrants, not protecting public safety. We will not be complicit in efforts to stigmatize or target our immigrant communities. If these policies are carried out, they will not only tear families apart but also damage the economy. Immigrants are an essential part of our workforce and make vital contributions to our community's culture and vibrancy. Businesses here and across the country would not function without them.
Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive
Amador-Hernandez emphasized that protecting immigrant communities does not equate to violating federal law.
'By having laws that simply serve and protect immigrants is not a simple or a direct violation of federal law,' she said.
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