The City of Alexandria is among thirteen cities across Virginia being classified as “Sanctuary jurisdictions”, according to President Trump’s administration.
“Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens requires that a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws (sanctuary jurisdictions) be published,” according to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) website. “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 of Sanctuary Jurisdictions includes communities in thirty-five states and the District of Columbia.
According to DHS, the list was created 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 non-compliance with Federal statutes,” according to DHS. “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”.
In a statement on Thursday night, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said;
“We are a community guided by compassion, the rule of law, and our unwavering commitment to the well-being and safety of all our residents.
There is no universally agreed upon or legal definition of a sanctuary city. Tonight’s action by the federal government wrongly targets and mischaracterizes Alexandria and dismisses core principles that make up the foundation of our democracy.
Here in Alexandria, we govern by facts and our values. The City of Alexandria is committed to upholding the constitutional and civil rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status.
Alexandria is—and always will be—a welcoming city. We are proud of our diversity, and we are stronger because of it. “