Dept removes record of 'sanctuary' cities

List created 'without input from sheriffs'

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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed a list of “sanctuary” states, cities and counties from its website following sharp criticism from a sheriffs’ association that said a list of “non-compliant” sheriffs could damage the relationship between the Trump administration and law enforcement.

DHS on Thursday published a list of what it called “sanctuary” jurisdictions that allegedly limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The list prompted a response from the National Sheriffs’ Association, which represents more than 3,000 elected sheriffs across the US and generally supports federal immigration enforcement.

Sheriff Kieran Donahue, president of the association, said in a statement on Saturday that DHS published “a list of alleged noncompliant sheriffs in a manner that lacks transparency and accountability.” Sheriff Donahue said the list was created without input from sheriffs and “violated the core principles of trust, cooperation and partnership with fellow law enforcement”.

President Donald Trump had called for his administration to tally alleged sanctuary jurisdictions in a late April executive order, saying the lack of cooperation amounted to “a lawless insurrection”.