'Not A Sanctuary County': Suffolk Officials Fire Back At Designation

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County joined the many municipalities nationwide who fired back after being designated "sanctuary jurisdictions" in a list put out the by the United States Department of Homeland Security last week.

By Monday, that list had been removed from the DHS website.

In response to being included on the list, a media representative for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine sent his statement: "Suffolk County is not, nor will it be, a sanctuary county.”

And, after East Hampton was listed on the United States Department of Homeland Security's list of "sanctuary jurisdictions defying immigration law," officials issued a statement.

New York City was listed, as well.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump's 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."

The DHS continued: "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."

The list, the DHS said, was created to identify sanctuary jurisdictions, which are determined by factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and legal protections for illegal aliens.

"Each jurisdiction listed will receive formal notification of its non-compliance with federal statutes. DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens."

East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez and East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo issued a statement that said town policies were fully compliant with federal law
"The Town of East Hampton is not defying federal immigration law, and there is no question about our position. We are in compliance," the statement read.

On Friday, the town was informed via media inquiries that East Hampton appeared on the list published by the U.S. DOH.

"After reviewing the list and the executive order it references, there are still a number of details that remain unclear," the statement from Burke-Gonzalez and Sarlo said. "The executive order directs DHS to notify named jurisdictions and to work with them to review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws. At this time, the Town of East Hampton has not received any direct communication from DHS. It is also unclear whether the list refers to the town or the village of East Hampton."

The statement went on: "If we do receive formal notification, we will take all appropriate steps in response. Until then, it would be premature for the town to speculate."

And, the statement concluded: "The East Hampton Town Police Department remains in full compliance with all applicable directives. The police department has no reason to believe that any of its official policies or procedures would place the Town of East Hampton on a list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions.' Its policies and procedures manual, along with all internal lawful orders, are fully aligned with federal law and consistent with those of all other local East End police departments."