01-06-2025
City of Hampton rejects designation as ‘sanctuary jurisdiction' by DHS
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The City of Hampton released a statement Saturday rejecting its designation as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction' by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In the statement, Hampton referred to the classification as 'inaccurate and unsupported by city policy or practice.' The city added it has contacted regional officials to request an explanation.
The announcement listed several other Virginia localities as 'sanctuary jurisdictions,' including Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Gloucester County. According to the DHS website, a 'sanctuary jurisdiction' is a city, county or state that is 'deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities.' The website says so-called sanctuary jurisdictions are determined by factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions and legal protections for undocumented immigrants.
The City of Hampton's statement clarified that it has not adopted any ordinance, policy, or resolution identifying or establishing itself as a 'sanctuary city.' It noted Hampton is part of a regional jail system that houses detainees from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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