VA Mayor Disputes Trump Administration's Sanctuary City Designation

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins has disputed the Trump administration's move listing the city as a sanctuary jurisdiction on defying federal immigration law.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the list identifies "cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities." Factors leading to localities being listed include compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions and legal protections for undocumented immigrants.

The Department of Homeland Security said localities would be notified of non-compliance with the federal government's immigration laws and asked the localities to revise their policies.

In a statement, the mayor said Alexandria was mischaracterized as a sanctuary city.

Here is the full statement:

We are a community guided by compassion, the rule of law, and our unwavering commitment to the well-being and safety of all our residents.

There is no universally agreed upon or legal definition of a sanctuary city. Tonight’s action by the federal government wrongly targets and mischaracterizes Alexandria and dismisses core principles that make up the foundation of our democracy.

Here in Alexandria, we govern by facts and our values. The City of Alexandria is committed to upholding the constitutional and civil rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status.
Alexandria is—and always will be—a welcoming city. We are proud of our diversity, and we are stronger because of it.

When Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, Gaskins said Alexandria police officers, sheriff's deputies and fire marshals do not participate in ICE raids or arrests to enforce immigration laws. While city law enforcement doesn't carry out immigration raids themselves, the mayor said the city will comply with all federal and state laws related to immigration.

Alexandria Sheriff Sean Casey also reaffirmed that the sheriff's office does not participate in immigration enforcement. That means the Alexandria Adult Detention Center does not house people arrested by ICE during immigration enforcement, and city funds are not used for immigration enforcement activities.

The Trump administration's list includes 20 Virginia counties and 13 cities. Other Northern Virginia localities on the list are Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County and City of Manassas.

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