America First Legal (AFL), a conservative organization led by upcoming deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, issued notice letters to 249 officials in sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States warning of potential civil and criminal liabilities for policies perceived as obstructing federal immigration law enforcement as the inauguration of the upcoming Trump administration fast approaches.
This marks AFL's broader effort to challenge sanctuary policies ahead of Donald Trump's anticipated return to office, which includes, according to its website:
- Creating a new interactive website resource to "provide detailed insight into sanctuary jurisdictions across the country, and contact information for elected officials violating federal law."
- Filing a petition with the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) asking that OVW publicly report monthly on its website "the citizenship status and nationality of every person charged with child maltreatment, dating violence, domestic violence, female genital mutilation or cutting, sexual assault, stalking, and/or technological abuse, murder, and/or other violent incidents committed against a minor or adult biological female."
- Filing investigative requests with governors, mayors, and other local government officials to "help expose the individuals and organizations that are actively undermining federal immigration enforcement and the rule of law across the country."
The letters specifically cited federal statutes prohibiting interference with immigration enforcement or shielding undocumented immigrants, actions which, according to AFL, could result in criminal charges, including penalties of up to five years in prison per case of harboring undocumented individuals.
Additionally, AFL referenced possible financial repercussions under federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statutes, which could allow victims to seek triple damages for crimes allegedly facilitated by sanctuary policies.
Among the jurisdictions identified were Baltimore, Maryland, and San Diego County, California, which have all implemented laws limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In Baltimore, AFL's letters were sent to Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, and other officials, as reported by The Baltimore Banner. Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. defended the county's practices, stating they comply with federal and state laws while maintaining public safety:
"Baltimore County is doing this work while remaining in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. We will continue to follow the law while also implementing best practices that support and uplift our neighbors, ensuring that Baltimore County remains a welcoming place for all."
San Diego County was also among the recipients of one of the mentioned letters which arrived just two weeks after the county's Board of Supervisors passed a resolution barring cooperation with ICE without judicial warrants.
"This resolution clearly violates federal law and subjects those who abide by it to significant risk of criminal and civil liability," reads the Dec. 23 letter sent to board Chair Nora Vargas. "Accordingly, we are sending this letter to put you on notice of this risk and insist that you comply with our nation's laws."
As the San Diego news outlet also points out, America First Legal was founded by Miller in 2021 and consists of a legal team that seeks to challenge what it calls the "radical left."
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