(The Center Square) – Half of the South’s 16 states are not on the initial Department of Homeland Security list of sanctuary jurisdictions.
The agency’s list included states that are self-identifying as “state sanctuary jurisdiction” as well as counties and cities that meet criteria to be included.
Two of four East South Central states were not on the list: Alabama and Mississippi. Three of eight South Atlantic states were not on the list: Florida, South Carolina and West Virginia. And three of four West South Central states avoided the list: Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, made the release Thursday evening. It said the executive order of second-term Republican President Donald Trump – Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens – requires the publishing of the list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct enforcement of federal immigration law.
A release from Homeland Security says in part, “Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities. Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.”
The list was created, it says, “to identify sanctuary jurisdictions, which are determined by factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and legal protections for illegal aliens.
“Each jurisdiction listed will receive formal notification of its noncompliance with Federal statutes. DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.”
The release says the list will be updated regularly.
