President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is wasting no time in signaling its tough stance on immigration enforcement, delivering a stark warning to officials in sanctuary jurisdictions across the country. Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy and a prominent figure at America First Legal, has issued letters to 249 leaders in these jurisdictions, cautioning them about the potential for criminal charges if they continue to defy federal immigration laws.
The letters, sent to key figures such as California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, make it clear that the administration plans to crack down on sanctuary city policies.
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These policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have long been a point of contention, with critics arguing they obstruct law enforcement and protect criminals.
The communication warned that failure to comply with federal immigration laws could result in both criminal and civil liabilities, stating:
“Federal law imposes serious consequences for obstructing the execution of federal immigration law. So-called ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions that forbid compliance with federal immigration law and cooperation with the officials who enforce it are, therefore, breaking the law.”
Miller’s letter emphasized the broader implications of these policies, arguing that they shield dangerous criminals and jeopardize public safety.
The letter also highlighted alarming statistics from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to illustrate the impact of sanctuary policies:
- 425,431: Convicted criminal aliens with final orders of removal who remain free in the U.S.
- 222,141: Non-detained illegal aliens with pending criminal charges.
- 647,572: Total illegal aliens with criminal records or charges who are not detained.
Acting ICE Director Patrick J. Lechleitner has criticized sanctuary policies, stating they exacerbate these numbers by preventing federal agents from apprehending dangerous individuals. According to Lechleitner, such policies often shield criminals who end up victimizing the very communities they claim to protect.
The Trump administration’s warning extends beyond political leaders to include any employees involved in enforcing sanctuary policies. The letters suggest these individuals could face charges under federal criminal conspiracy statutes, with penalties as severe as 20 years in prison for knowingly concealing or shielding illegal aliens.
One excerpt from the letter underscores the gravity of the situation:
“It is a crime carrying a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for anyone who ‘knowingly … engages in misleading conduct toward another person, with intent to … hinder, delay, or prevent the communication to a law enforcement officer or judge of the United States.’”
In addition to issuing these warnings, America First Legal (AFL) has petitioned the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to report monthly on violent crimes committed by illegal aliens. The AFL press release specifically called out offenses like child maltreatment, domestic violence, sexual assault, and murder, asserting that transparency is essential to expose the dangers of sanctuary policies.
Trump’s former border czar, Tom Homan, reinforced the administration’s message during an appearance on Fox News. “To knowingly conceal or harbor an illegal alien is a felony,” Homan said. “Sanctuary officials who violate federal law should know they are not above the law.”
While the administration’s approach is celebrated by supporters who view sanctuary policies as a threat to public safety, it has drawn fierce opposition. Advocates argue these policies foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging undocumented residents to report crimes without fear of deportation.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, one of the recipients of the letter, defended the state’s sanctuary policies. “California’s policies reflect our values and our commitment to public safety,” Bonta said in a statement. “We will not back down from doing what is right for our residents.”
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the warning letters mark the beginning of what is likely to be a contentious battle over immigration enforcement. With over 240 jurisdictions under scrutiny, the administration’s crackdown could reshape national immigration policy and test the balance of power between federal and local governments.
The next few months will determine how this standoff unfolds. Will sanctuary leaders comply with federal demands, or will they continue to resist, potentially risking severe legal consequences? One thing is certain: the debate over sanctuary policies is far from over, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications for immigration enforcement across the nation.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, one of the recipients of the letter, defended the state’s sanctuary policies. “California’s policies reflect our values and our commitment to public safety,” Bonta said in a statement. “We will not back down from doing what is right for our residents.”
It may be right for your illegal residents but not for us Citizens.
We need those resources that are wasted on illegals and criminals.
If they can determine that there are 647,572 total illegal aliens with criminal records or charges who are not detained in our country then they should be able to identify them and their where-abouts. There should be no sanctuary cities and no protection for illegal immigrants who are criminals!