The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has pulled its “sanctuary jurisdiction” list, but the damage done to trust of the nation’s sheriffs may take years to overcome.
The list, published on Friday, included Augusta and Albemarle counties and the City of Charlottesville. It was removed from the DHS website on Sunday and replaced with a “page not found” error.
More than 30 localities in Virginia were named to the list having been flagged as undermining “the rule of law” and endangering “the lives of Americans and law enforcement.”
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City and county law enforcement agencies were caught off guard by the list releasing statements echoing that they had reached out to federal agencies for more guidance.
The National Sheriffs’ Association did not mince words saying the damage done by DHS could lead to distrust that might “take years to overcome.”
At a time when the president needs the help of law enforcement to achieve its deportation goals, the strong-arm actions of the administration to force agencies to fall in line may have backfired.
“The completion and publication of this list has not only violated the core principles of trust, cooperation and partnership with fellow law enforcement, but it also has the potential to strain the relationship between sheriffs and the White House administration,” read a statement from NSA President Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “This is an unfortunate and unnecessary erosion of unity and collaboration with law enforcement and the enforcement of the rule of law at a time when that unity is needed most.
“This decision by DHS could create a vacuum of trust that may take years to overcome.”
“DHS has done a terrible disservice to President Trump and the sheriffs of this country. The president’s goals to reduce crime, secure the borders and make America safer have taken a step backward.”
The NSA said it met with DHS officials, and no one could explain who compiled, proofed or verified the list before the publication.
On Saturday, the Sheriff’s Association called on the administration to publicly denounce the report and demanded accountability.
“The sheriffs of this country feel betrayed,” Donahue said. “The current list must be removed immediately, and DHS must release an apology to the sheriffs and the American people.”
While the list has been removed, no public apology has been made, and no news release has been issued addressing the list published by DHS.
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Crystal Graham
