Trump Admin: Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co. Defying Immigration Law

PITTSBURGH, PA —The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has included Pittsburgh and Allegheny County on a national list of jurisdictions they contend are deliberately impeding the Trump administration's mass deportations of immigrants.

The list of more that 500 "sanctuary" counties, cities and states, was issued this week.

Homeland Security says the sanctuary jurisdictions have not complied with federal law. But Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, county Executive Sara Innamorato and officials elsewhere maintain they have a right to protect immigrants and have asserted the Trump administration of violating rights granted in the Constitution.

In a release, Homeland Security describes the sanctuary jurisdictions' refusal to comply with Trump's executive order regarding immigrants a "deliberate and shameful obstruction."

"Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril," the department said.

The sanctuary jurisdictions will receive a "formal notification" of its violations, though it remains unclear how enforceable the demands are.

"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," the statement said.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric, officials argue, is not based in fact, citing studies from the conservative-leaning Cato Institute that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes.

Ten other Pennsylvania counties made the new federal list: Adams, Allegheny, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Dauphin, Delaware Montgomery, Montour, and Northampton.

Four other Pennsylvania cities did as well: Gettysburg, Philadelphia, State College, and York.