WASHINGTON — A contentious list of “sanctuary jurisdictions,” initially released by the Department of Homeland Security, has vanished from its website following widespread backlash. The list included areas perceived to support the Trump administration’s stringent immigration measures but has since drawn significant scrutiny.
The list, published last week, identified jurisdictions deemed by the federal government as non-cooperative in enforcing immigration laws, suggesting potential violations of federal criminal laws. Yet, by Sunday, visitors to the governmental site’s page encountered a “Page Not Found” error instead of the original content.
This development was part of the Trump administration’s broader initiative to highlight and pressure regions that, in its view, aren’t adequately aiding its immigration enforcement pursuits. This aligns with President Trump’s election pledge to deport over 11 million unauthorized individuals residing in the United States.
A senior official from the Department of Homeland Security mentioned that the list is continually assessed and subject to amendments, with regular updates planned. The official elaborated that the designation of a sanctuary jurisdiction depends on various criteria, such as self-proclamation as a sanctuary, non-compliance with federal immigration enforcement, information-sharing limitations, and legal protections extended to undocumented individuals.
During an appearance on “Sunday Morning Futures” on Fox News, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged frustrations among officials about the list. However, she avoided discussing the reasons behind its removal. “Some cities have resisted,” Noem acknowledged. “They argue that specific laws or their absence mean they don’t qualify, but in fact, they do because they are providing sanctuary to those breaking the law.”
The list has sparked criticism across various communities, from urban centers to rural regions, appealing to both liberals and conservatives who question its reliability. For instance, in California, Huntington Beach was included despite its legal challenge against the state’s sanctuary law, and its recent declaration of being a “non-sanctuary city.”
Similarly, Jim Davel, Shawano County’s administrator in Wisconsin, expressed surprise at the county’s inclusion, attributing it to a possible clerical mistake. Davel, a Trump supporter alongside 67% of the county, suspects confusion between the county’s 2021 resolution as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary” opposing gun control and any supposed sanctuary status regarding immigration. He confirmed that the county has no policies classifying it as a sanctuary for immigrants.