Wisconsin Communities Question Inclusion on Trump’s Immigration List
MADISON, Wis. — Leaders from various communities across the political spectrum have expressed confusion and frustration over being named on a recent list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” compiled by the Trump administration. This list, which includes over 500 locations across the country, is alleged to represent areas that hinder federal immigration enforcement. Interestingly, many of these officials have publicly supported President Trump’s tough immigration policies.
For instance, Jim Davel, the administrator of Shawano County, Wisconsin, stated that the county, known for its strong Republican roots, appeared on the list by mistake. “We have no idea how we got on this list,” he remarked, suggesting it was likely a clerical error.
With the federal government focusing on removing individuals in the country illegally, local officials are concerned. Some have pointed out glaring inaccuracies in the list, including instances of incorrect spelling of community names, such as “Cincinnatti” instead of Cincinnati.
Cities with strong immigrant protections have also defended their stance, claiming it benefits the entire community. They argue that such policies encourage everyone to report crimes without fear of deportation.
Bruce Harrell, the mayor of Seattle, criticized the Trump administration, suggesting that its tactics rely on threats to withhold federal funds to pressure local jurisdictions into compliance. He stated, “It’s not going to work — we will not hesitate to protect our people and stand for our values.”
The Department of Homeland Security generated the list based on various criteria. This included local governments’ self-identification as sanctuaries and their compliance with federal immigration requests. However, some communities are baffled by their inclusion. For example, Huntington Beach in California, which has actively opposed state immigration policies, is on the list, while nearby Santa Ana, which supports immigrant rights, is not.
In North Dakota, areas with small populations that overwhelmingly voted for Trump also found themselves on the list. Local leaders have reached out to the state’s governor to understand their next steps.
While some local leaders focus on ensuring safety through inclusive policies, they face an uphill battle against federal initiatives that seem to overlook the complexities of local situations. Many, including Hartford’s mayor, argue that current federal policies undermine their efforts to maintain community safety.
As debates around immigration continue, the lack of a clear definition of “sanctuary jurisdiction” adds to the confusion. Traditionally, the term refers to local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The recent executive order issued by President Trump mandates regular updates to this list, with actions planned against jurisdictions deemed non-compliant.
Communities across the nation are grappling with their identities and policies in light of this federal scrutiny. They remain determined to protect their residents while navigating the challenges posed by federal immigration directives.
