- America First Legal warns sanctuary cities and states they must comply with federal immigration laws.
- Officials enforcing sanctuary policies face criminal prosecution and financial penalties.
- Federal law imposes up to 20 years in prison for obstructing immigration enforcement.
- The group launched an interactive website to expose sanctuary jurisdictions and officials.
- The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.
America First Legal, the conservative advocacy group founded by Stephen Miller, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, has issued a stark warning to sanctuary cities, counties, and states across the nation. The group has sent 249 letters to local and state officials, including prominent figures like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, urging them to comply with federal immigration laws. These letters serve as a reminder that sanctuary policies not only defy federal law but also expose officials to significant legal and criminal consequences.
The legal risks of sanctuary policies
Sanctuary jurisdictions, which refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, have long been a contentious issue in the national debate over immigration. America First Legal’s letters emphasize that such policies are not just misguided; they are illegal. Under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal immigration laws take precedence over state or local laws that attempt to undermine them. The group’s letters warn that officials who implement or enforce sanctuary policies could face criminal prosecution, civil liability, and even personal financial ruin.
For example, Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324 makes it a felony to conceal, harbor, or shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities. This statute carries penalties of up to five years in prison per violation. Additionally, officials who conspire to obstruct federal immigration enforcement could face charges under federal conspiracy laws, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison. These warnings are not empty threats; they are grounded in the clear language of federal law.
America First Legal has also launched an interactive website, Sanctuary Strongholds, to provide detailed information about sanctuary jurisdictions and the officials who are responsible for these policies. The site aims to empower citizens to hold their leaders more accountable and demand compliance with federal law.
A broader push for accountability
The letters sent by America First Legal are part of a broader effort by the incoming Trump administration to crack down on sanctuary policies and reinforce federal immigration laws. The group has also filed public records requests to expose government officials and entities that interfere with federal immigration enforcement. These actions underscore the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting American communities from the dangers posed by illegal immigration.
Sanctuary policies have had devastating consequences for communities across the country. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), there are currently more than 647,000 non-detained illegal immigrants with criminal convictions or pending charges roaming free in the United States. Many of these individuals have final orders for deportation but remain in the country due to sanctuary policies that shield them from federal authorities.
America First Legal’s efforts to hold sanctuary jurisdictions accountable are not just about enforcing immigration laws; they are about protecting American citizens. The group has pledged to continue its campaign to ensure compliance with federal law and to hold officials who defy it accountable.
As the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office, the message from America First Legal is clear: sanctuary policies are illegal, dangerous, and will not be tolerated. Officials who prioritize protecting illegal immigrants over the safety and well-being of American citizens must be held accountable for their actions. The rule of law must prevail, and America First Legal is leading the charge to ensure that it does.
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