Staff Reports
Under the Biden-Harris administration, the surge in hideouts for illegal immigrants has skyrocketed, with a whopping 170 new sanctuary cities and counties springing up across the nation. This brings the total to over 595 jurisdictions that have thumbed their noses at federal immigration authorities by refusing to turn over criminal migrants. It appears that flouting both federal and state laws has become the new favorite pastime for certain localities, raising eyebrows and questions about why anyone should be left holding the bag when states clearly have laws that ought to be respected.
The Center for Immigration Studies recently updated its sanctuary city map, revealing that many of these new sanctuaries are popping up in states where such policies have explicitly been banned. Because nothing says “rule of law” quite like ignoring laws already on the books. Jessica M. Vaughan, the director of policy studies at CIS, called for consequences to be levied against these localities for their blatant disregard of state mandates. Expecting compliance may seem like asking for a miracle in these unprecedented times, where sanctuary policies are seen as the golden ticket to a “feel-good” narrative.
Prior to this latest count, it was estimated that around 425 sanctuary jurisdictions existed, but the new figure indicates a staggering 40% increase. And if that doesn’t boggle the mind, another congressional report suggests that the numbers could be even higher, claiming an increase of 85% over the previous year. Whether the true count is 425 or 595, one thing is clear: it seems the only thing rising faster than illegal immigration is local governments’ apparent zeal to protect lawbreakers from being held accountable.
Notable states now embracing this trend include Virginia, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, and Minnesota. As it turns out, these locations are not merely acting as welcome mats for illegals; they’ve transitioned to full-blown hotels. Meanwhile, under the watchful eye of their so-called “border czar” Kamala Harris, the administration has enacted policies that slow down the arrest of illegal immigrants already residing in the U.S. Coincidence? Hardly seems that way.
Vaughan highlighted that about 17% of U.S. jails are now refusing to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when it comes to deporting criminal illegal migrants. Some sanctuary cities have multiple jails operating under this “not my problem” mentality. Instead of making it easier for ICE to do its job, these jails prefer to let the chips fall where they may, resulting in cases of illegal immigrants going on to commit more violent crimes after being released. Vaughan’s report pointed out that over 10,000 criminal aliens have been let go by local authorities due to these ridiculous sanctuary policies—a stunning fact that doesn’t sit well with those who actually value law and order.
170 new sanctuary locations under Biden-Harris administration, a 40% surge https://t.co/kyhZ8RueZA
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 21, 2024
In Virginia, where sanctuary policies appear to be multiplying like rabbits, ICE has had to scrape together its limited resources to re-arrest violent offenders who were previously released by local jails. The idea that these jurisdictions are putting politics before public safety is as clear as day. Local officials must reevaluate their allegiance to these dangerous policies that have only served to exacerbate the issues of crime and illegal immigration. It seems a revision of such misguided practices might be the only way forward as the nation grapples with the fallout of reckless border policies that have welcomed millions of unvetted migrants into local communities.
