Trump administration puts DC area 'sanctuary jurisdictions' on notice

Trump puts DC area 'sanctuary jurisdictions' on notice

The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions across the U.S. – including Washington, D.C. and cities and counties in Maryland and Virginia - warning that local jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts must comply with federal law or risk losing funding.

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions across the U.S. – including Washington, D.C. and cities and counties in Maryland and Virginia - warning that local jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts must comply with federal law or risk losing funding.

Sanctuary cities under scrutiny

What we know:

The Department of Homeland Security published a list Thursday night, identifying sanctuary jurisdictions it claims are "deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens."

In the D.C. area, the list includes the District of Columbia, 18 cities and counties in Maryland, and 33 in Virginia—including Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the city of Alexandria. (FULL LIST)

Alexandria Mayor Aliah Gaskins, among other leaders nationwide, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to upholding constitutional and civil rights.

FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick says the administration’s move comes as it continues to push for increased immigration arrests and deportations. DHS says it will issue notices of non-compliance to each jurisdiction and demand policy revisions. Those that fail to comply could face cuts to federal grants and contracts, Alnwick reports.

VIDEO: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser seeks repeal of Sanctuary City law

Federal funding at risk

Montgomery County, Maryland, is also on the list. County Executive Marc Elrich voiced concern that local programs providing shelter, food, or medical assistance could be construed by DHS as acts of "harboring" undocumented immigrants.

"We will not be making changes based on political headlines," Elrich said, adding that Montgomery County has always cooperated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving violent crimes, serious felonies, and threats to public safety.

Many cities and counties on the list have pointed out that there is no legal definition of a "sanctuary jurisdiction."

READ MORE: Virginia Gov. Youngkin threatens to withhold state funding from alleged 'sanctuary cities'

Jurisdictions List as published by Department of Homeland Security

District of Columbia

Self-Identification as Local Sanctuary Jurisdiction

Maryland

Self-Identification as a State Sanctuary Jurisdiction

Counties:
Anne Arundel County
Baltimore County
Charles County
Howard County
Montgomery County
Prince George's County
Queen Anne's County
Talbot County 

Cities:
Annapolis
Baltimore City
Cheverly
College Park
Edmonston
Greenbelt
Hyattsville
Mount Rainier
Rockville
Tacoma Park

Virginia

Counties:
Albemarle County
Amherst County
Arlington County
Augusta County
Brunswick County
Charlotte County
Chesterfield County
Dinwiddie County
Fairfax County
Gloucester County
Halifax County
Hanover County
Henrico County
Martinsville County
Middlesex County
Prince William County
Rappahannock County
Richmond County
Tazewell County
Warren County

Cities:
Abingdon
Alexandria
Charlottesville
Duffield
Hampton
Lynchburg
Manassas
Martinsville
Newport News
Portsmouth City
Richmond
Tazewell
Virginia Beach