The Department of Justice released a list Tuesday of states, counties and cities that have adopted policies that override national immigration laws, including sanctuary cities. Of the twenty cities named, East Lansing is the only one in Michigan.
The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security were tasked with identifying governments who put such policies in place as part of the Trump administration's larger crackdown on immigration. In the press release, Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that sanctuary jurisdictions must be eradicated in order to ensure that federal enforcements are not obstructed or defied in any way for the protection of United States citizens.
"Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design," Bondi said. "The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country."
In February of 2017, East Lansing passed a resolution affirming the city's refusal to comply with federal orders that it viewed as "unjust violations" of individual rights. In 2023, East Lansing officially declared itself as a sanctuary city to protect the estimated 109,000 undocumented immigrants living in the area.
"While it’s nice to welcome all people who live, work or travel to our city, it takes more to protect them and their human rights," former Human Rights Commission Chairperson Liz Miller said at the time. "Such a designation ensures the city will not discriminate in the availing of city services by the city’s residents, regardless of their immigration status."
Other sanctuary cities, such as New York City and Louisville, have been threatened with legal action for upholding their status, with the Mayor of Louisville agreeing to dismantle their sanctuary policies.
East Lansing Mayor George Brookover declined to comment on the matter.
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