Bergen County Town Removed From Federal List Of Sanctuary Cities: Mayor

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — When Leonia Mayor Bill Ziegler spotted his town on a list of 500 cities and counties alleged by the federal government to be breaking federal law, it was "To my surprise," he told residents over the summer — especially since his town was the only one in Bergen County on the list.

"[The list] claimed that jurisdictions like ours are 'endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens' " argued Ziegler, a Democrat, in a message to constituents. "That description does not apply to Leonia in any way.' "

This month, Ziegler told Leonia residents that the town has been removed from the list, noting that Rep. Josh Gottheimer had intervened.

The list became controversial in June after cities and counties across the country said they were put on there incorrectly, and feared losing federal funding.

The federal government had failed to make a distinction between cities who billed themselves as "welcoming" to immigrants, like Leonia, and "Sanctuary Cities." The latter designation limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities, officials said.

The former means that cities will stress inclusion so that immigrants can "participate in civic life," and is consistent with federal law, say proponents.

"Leonia has always cooperated, and will continue to cooperate, with federal law enforcement when a crime has been committed," Ziegler said in June.

He was among dozens of city and county representatives who insisted they were on the list incorrectly.

In an update this month, Ziegler shared that Josh Gottheimer, who represents Bergen County, had spoken with Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem about the matter, and that Leonia had been removed from the list.

"Our policies have always complied with federal cooperation standards, and it is reassuring to see that this has been formally recognized," Ziegler said in an update this month. "Most importantly, Leonia remains a welcoming community."

In August, the federal government released an updated list that now included 13 states, four counties, and 18 cities they believe may be violating federal law.

The four from New Jersey are Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson.

Those cities received a letter saying certain federal funds could be cut.

The mayors have pledged to fight back. READ MORE: 'Absurd': NJ Mayors Speak On Federal Suit Against 'Sanctuary Cities'

You can read Leonia Mayor Bill Ziegler's comments here.