### DHS Withdraws Controversial Sanctuary Jurisdictions List After Backlash

In an abrupt move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" just days after its online publication. The list identified dozens of cities and counties across 37 states and included the District of Columbia, alleging these areas were not complying with federal statutes. Declaring that these jurisdictions must revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws, DHS emphasized the importance of protecting American citizens over so-called "dangerous illegal aliens."

The initiative was intended to support the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to crack down on local governments obstructing its immigration agenda. Since the administration's inception, officials from cities branded as "sanctuary" have routinely been summoned to testify in Congress, and efforts have been made to withhold federal funding from these areas. Sanctuary jurisdictions typically hinder local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration officials.

The reaction to the list was swift and critical. Sheriffs and mayors across the nation expressed confusion over the criteria used for inclusion. The President of the National Sheriffs' Association, Sheriff Kieran Donahue, lambasted the DHS for its lack of transparency and accountability, highlighting that local officials had no insight into how to comply or contest their designation. He urged DHS to take down the list, warning that its publication could severely damage trust between local authorities and the federal government.

Local leaders echoed similar sentiments. For instance, mayors from Boise, Idaho, and San Diego, expressed surprise at seeing their cities named. Concerns were also raised by leaders in Colorado, which resulted in Aurora being removed from the list before its posting.

The list was necessitated by an executive order from President Trump on April 28, which required the DHS and the attorney general to identify and notify jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration law enforcement, offering them a chance to rectify their status. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem noted that some cities objected, believing they didn't qualify, yet met other criteria for the designation.

A senior DHS official stated that the list would be constantly reviewed and regularly updated, taking into account numerous factors including self-identification as a Sanctuary Jurisdiction, noncompliance with federal immigration laws, and legal protections for undocumented immigrants.

Since the Trump administration took office, various retaliatory steps have been directed at sanctuary jurisdictions. For instance, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ceased naturalization ceremonies in these cities. Additionally, the administration proposed to review federal disaster aid and other assistance for sanctuary jurisdictions, prompting lawsuits from 16 areas, which a judge blocked.

Furthermore, some cities have faced legal battles over policies perceived to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This ongoing tug-of-war between federal directives and local autonomy continues to shape the landscape of U.S. immigration policy.