Homeland Security removes 'sanctuary jurisdictions' list as Virginia cities and counties push back

The Department of Homeland Security's list of so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions" has disappeared from the agency's website. The list included 33 localities from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The site published Thursday listed more than 500 localities as sanctuary jurisdictions, including Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Gloucester County. DHS defined these as places "obstructing immigration enforcement."

Visitors to the DHS Sanctuary Jurisdictions web page now see an error message stating the page may have been "moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable."

WTVR

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Each city listed would receive formal notice for violating or not complying with federal law, according to the DHS.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) added that this list was made to give localities a chance to respond and collaborate with federal authorities regarding the Trump administration's crackdown on on undocumented immigration.

"Virginia is not a sanctuary state, and I've made that really clear. And our collaboration with the federal agencies and resources has been complete. And since I have been really encouraged by the success of the work that we have undertaken," Youngkin said.

He added he'd expect cities and counties listed to react.

"And I think the ones that don't do that, we should collectively really ask, why not?" Youngkin said.

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The City of Virginia Beach believe they were "erroneously" placed on the DHS list. Read their full statement below:

Virginia Beach attorney Timothy Anderson told News 3 it was an unwelcome surprise to see Virginia Beach on the list, especially when other cities in Hampton Roads were distinctly omitted.

"It was weird. It was a strange list," said Anderson. "In a city like Virginia Beach where law and order matters and you're here and breaking the law and we find out that you're illegally here and ICE can do what they're going to do, to say otherwise in some kind of broad swoop is gross."

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Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones similarly told News 3 that the DHS list was "mischaracterizing" the city's policies.

Hampton mayor Jimmy Gray said his city has not received any formal letter or explanation from DHS. He also believes Hampton was wrongfully listed.

"You know our city council has not adopted any ordinances, policies or resolutions, classifying ourselves as a sanctuary city. So when you end up on a list like that, obviously, it draws attention. We've gotten emails from our citizens," said Gray. "All I can say to the public is this is not Hampton, Virginia. And our police department and the city are cooperating when [we] are requested to assist with any execution of warrants or other activities involving Homeland Security agents working in our city."

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He added an additional comment directed to people who've moved into his city from other places.

"We're a diverse community and we want people who are legally able to live in the country to live in our city. Our police department is not actively pursuing anybody or checking immigration status as part of normal duties each day. We cooperate when we're required to," said Gray.

Read the city of Hampton's statement below:

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Gloucester County leaders also believe Gloucester County was on the list in error.

A spokesperson for the City of Portsmouth said "we are researching this as well," but did not elaborate.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) commented on the list on his Facebook page, writing, "Trump has mass fired feds, including a record number of vets. It seems the Admin is using AI to do their work — causing idiotic errors. We'll work to fix them, mindful that this kind of incompetence is why VA voters have always rejected Trump."

National Politics

Department of Homeland Security releases list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions'

Simon Kaufman

DHS officials did not directly respond to why the website was down on Sunday. However, officials did issue a statement saying the list is being constantly reviewed and can be updated regularly.

Officials said localities were added to the list based on whether they identified as a sanctuary jurisdiction, were in noncompliance of immigration laws, had restrictions on information sharing or offered legal protections for undocumented immigrants.

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Officials across Central Virginia insist they are following immigration laws as well. The City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties were also part of the possibly-erased list.

A Richmond spokesperson said the city does not identify as a "sanctuary city." They added that the Richmond Police Department has not signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE, which would authorize local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.

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