America First Legal (AFL) has initiated a multi-faceted campaign to address what it views as widespread violations of federal immigration law by sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States.
The organization announced its actions, which include legal notifications, a new interactive resource, and investigative requests, aimed at holding officials accountable for policies AFL claims undermine federal enforcement and put American communities at risk.
AFL has sent notices to 249 elected officials in sanctuary jurisdictions, warning them of potential legal consequences for interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
The notifications emphasize the supremacy of federal law under the U.S. Constitution, outlining criminal and financial liabilities for actions such as concealing or shielding illegal aliens.
The notices cite the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which prohibits local and state governments from restricting communication with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about an individual’s immigration status.
Additionally, AFL highlighted that harboring or shielding illegal aliens is a federal crime punishable by imprisonment.
AFL has unveiled a new online resource, “Sanctuary Strongholds,” designed to inform Americans about sanctuary jurisdictions and their officials.
The interactive tool provides detailed insights into these jurisdictions, including contact information for elected officials.
According to AFL, the platform will empower citizens to advocate for the enforcement of immigration laws and hold sanctuary officials accountable.
The website also promotes the “SHIELD” initiative, encouraging citizens to “Stop Helping Illegals Enter and Linger without Deportation.”
Responding to crimes committed by illegal aliens, AFL has filed a petition with the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).
The petition requests that the OVW publicly disclose monthly data on the citizenship status and nationality of individuals charged with crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent offenses.
AFL argues that this transparency is necessary to protect American women and children from harm.
AFL has expanded its investigations into sanctuary jurisdictions by filing public records requests with governors, mayors, and other local officials in 17 key states and cities.
These requests aim to uncover communications and records related to efforts that AFL says obstruct federal immigration law enforcement.
AFL has previously reported on the dangers of sanctuary policies, highlighting issues such as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua operating in Chicago.
The organization points to data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showing that more than 647,000 non-detained illegal aliens, including individuals with criminal convictions and pending charges, are currently subject to deportation orders but remain free in the United States.
James Rogers, AFL’s Senior Counsel, stated: “Federal law is clear: illegal aliens are subject to removal from the country, and it is a crime to conceal, harbor, or shield them. Sanctuary policies are against the law, make a mockery of America’s democratic principles, and demonstrate a shocking disrespect for our Constitution and our citizens. The officials in charge of sanctuary jurisdictions have no excuse and must be held accountable.”
Reed D. Rubinstein, AFL’s Senior Vice President, added: “This weekend’s New York City subway atrocity is yet another reminder that open borders and sanctuary jurisdictions are sheer insanity. The left-wing politicians who create and run them, and those who support them, put our citizens at risk, undermine our Constitution, and dangerously erode the rule of law. America First Legal will continue working tirelessly to protect our immigration laws and support the brave men and women who enforce them.”
AFL’s efforts signal an aggressive push to counter sanctuary policies nationwide.
The organization has vowed to pursue legal action and expose officials who it says prioritize protecting illegal aliens over American citizens.
With federal laws clearly outlining the authority of immigration enforcement, AFL’s campaign seeks to challenge the legal and political frameworks that have allowed sanctuary policies to persist.
As AFL continues its actions, the group remains focused on reinforcing federal immigration laws and protecting communities across the United States.
The only way to defeat them is to hit them in the pocket..
When it comes out of their own pockets they are less likely to commit Treason and have their people they supposedly Represent having to pay the bills of all of the Illegals that crossed our bore , ignoring our Immigration Law’s with the help of the Biden Administration..
It’s a shame there are so many people that want to challenge the Law’s knowing that there is a way for people to come here Legally..
Until the Law’s are changed then we all must abide by the Law’s..
They have already used the military in the past.. The New Mexico governor tried to suspend the 2nd Amendment protections .. She should NOT be talking.. She’ll look good in jailhouse stripes.