Pam Bondi, the recently confirmed U.S. Attorney General, is taking an assertive approach to tackling illegal immigration, aligning with President Donald Trump’s firm stance. This includes targeting the multitude of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions, which include states, cities, and counties that have chosen to consciously ignore federal immigration law and provide safe zones for illegal immigrants. A considerable number of such jurisdictions are led by Democrats, and include places like California, Oregon, Denver, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., all blatantly and proudly disregarding the law with an open declaration to resist any collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerning deportations.
Trump and Bondi are acting decisively, threatening to withhold Justice Department funding from these sanctuary districts. In a memo, Bondi states, ‘To protect the American people from the effects of unlawful immigration, President Trump has prioritized securing our Nation’s borders and enforcing federal immigration laws. Consistent with this objective, the Department of Justice will ensure that, within legal constraints, ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ are cut off from receiving Federal funds.’ This memorandum signifies a much welcome pivot from the past four years of laissez-faire border control under former President Joe Biden, which in effect allowed record-breaking levels of illegal immigration.
Regrettably, we find ourselves in a situation where Democratic governors and mayors have positioned themselves as obstacles, making little to no sense in light of the existing laws. Democratic officials have become experts in theatrically vowing to resist the Trump administration and ICE across the country. For instance, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey boldly announced his intention to restrain cooperation with federal law enforcement concerning deportations. Not only is such an approach unheroic, but it actively undermines the laws and border policies that are foundational to our nation.
Recently, Frey declared, ‘To people who are undocumented, we want you to know, we care about you. We consider you part of our community, not aliens. Here in Minneapolis, we champion your cause and we stand ready to defend you.’ Continuing, he noted, ‘Our law enforcement personnel will not be working in concert with federal forces concerning immigration law. We enforce state and local laws in Minneapolis and will continue to do so to the best of our ability. However, when it comes to ICE cooperation, the response is a firm no.’
In a similar light, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy confessed that he and his wife considered housing an immigrant whose paperwork is unclear. Keeping the details under wrap, he said, ‘There is someone in our extended circle whose immigration status is not yet quite solid. We’ve considered offering her a place above our garage. If the feds want to approach, best of luck to them.’ These statements are illustrative of the defiant attitude many Democratic leaders have adopted in the face of enforcing federal immigration laws. This disobedience is not only counterproductive but further deepens the immigration crisis.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey explicitly expressed she would avoid aiding federal deportation efforts. In a similar vein, Denver Mayor, Mike Johnston, hinted he’d even employ police to prevent ICE agents from acting within the city. Their irresponsible stance arguably adds fuel to the growing problem of illegal immigration, a burden bear by tax-paying citizens.
It’s paradoxical that Johnston, among other mayors, had previously warned that their cities were verging on disaster due to the migrant influx. He was forced to siphon millions from the city’s reserves to manage the migrant-induced costs, a predicament echoed by other Democratic-run cities including Chicago and New York City. The mayors pleaded to the Biden administration and Congress, asking for assistance to cope with the crisis, a crisis birthed by negligent border control policies.
Recently, New York City Mayor Eric Adams appealed to state lawmakers for an additional $1.1 billion to fund migrant services. Adams revealed, ‘Over the past three fiscal years alone, we have expended more than $6.9 billion on providing for immigrants and we foresee billions more being spent in the coming years.’
Despite the financial strain, many Democratic leaders still seem keen on disregarding federal immigration laws, completely overlooking the decisive sentiment displayed by voters last November. The continuous wave of illegal immigration was a significant factor propelling the nation to reject Democrats in favor of giving Trump a second term.
Against such a backdrop, President Trump remains resolute in his commitment to uphold his pledges to secure the border and ensure a thorough understanding of who is entering the country. In contrast to his predecessor, President Trump appears to be taking the immigration issue seriously, eager to impose the rule of law and protect American citizens. Such commitment is likely a refreshing change after four years of Biden’s lax immigration approach that seemed to value political correctness over law and order.
The Biden administration’s approach to immigration speaks volumes about their disregard for law and order, and their preference for political grandstanding over protecting American citizens. This type of attitude is not just harmful to the fabric of our society, but it also puts unnecessary strain on the economy and public resources.
Illegal immigration remains a grave concern for the American public. The unchecked influx of migrants has significant implications for jobs, welfare, and security. Despite the clear public sentiment concerning these issues, Democratic leaders like Biden and Harris continue to demonstrate a shocking dismissal of the very real concerns of their constituents.
In essence, President Trump’s decisive approach to immigration signifies a return to logical policymaking. It signals a shift from the previous administration’s focus on political optics to prioritizing the well-being and safety of American citizens. The contrast between the leadership styles of Trump and Biden couldn’t be more stark.
In summary, the fight against illegal immigration is a battle for the sovereignty, security, and future of our nation. An approach that disregards the importance of these factors doesn’t just violate the law, it violates the sentiments of the American people – sentiments decisively displayed in the recent elections. It’s time to acknowledge the clear message delivered by the voters and give credit to the Trump administration for taking actual steps to address this critical issue.