A list of so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” appeared on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website, then disappeared just days after being posted. Among those the Trump administration deems uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement are eight in Michigan: the counties of Kalamazoo, Kent, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Wexford, and the cities of Ann Arbor and East Lansing.
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young released a statement reading, “While it remains unclear why Kent County was added, we want to be clear: Kent County is not—and has never been—a sanctuary county. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has consistently worked in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners…. We are working with federal officials to better understand how this error occurred and to ensure the public record accurately reflects Kent County’s policies and practices.”
DHS stated designation is based on numerous factors, including self-identification as a sanctuary, restrictions on information sharing, and legal protections for illegal aliens.
The list was taken down from the website Sunday after multiple localities pushed back, noting mistakes.
Officials say it is being constantly reviewed and will be updated regularly.
