CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – UPDATE 6/1 8:30PM: DHS has removed the list that included Albemarle, Charlottesville, and Augusta among 33 Virginia localities and 500+ as “sanctuary” localities. Many localities that did issue statements said they were looking to see why they were included.
ORIGINAL:
Albemarle County said Friday it is aware it has been included in the Department of Homeland Security’s list of sanctuary jurisdictions but has had no communication with the federal government about that inclusion. The county has reached out for more information.
“Albemarle County has not received any official notification from federal authorities regarding our inclusion on the Department of Homeland Security’s list of sanctuary jurisdictions,” according to a statement released by the county Friday. “We are aware of the release of this list and have contacted our federal partners for clarification. At this time, we have not received any clear direction or additional information from them.”
In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing DHS to assemble the list and Thursday, in an attempt to ramp up pressure on communities the Trump administration believes are obstructing his mass deportation agenda, the department released the list. Over 500 locations nationwide and 33 in Virginia, including Albemarle and Augusta counties and the City of Charlottesville locally, are on the list.
According to the DHS website, “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. 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.”
According to the DHS site, each jurisdiction on the list will be formally notified and the department “demands” they immediately review and, where necessary, change their policies to match Federal immigration laws.
“The enforcement of federal immigration law is the responsibility of the federal government, and Albemarle County complies with those laws,” the county statement reads. “As with other federal actions, we will continue to monitor the situation and respond appropriately should we receive formal notice.”
Click here for the complete federal list, which includes the
