DOJ Hides RI's Required Changes to Exit 'Sanctuary Jurisdiction' List

Rhode Island's Stance on Immigration and Federal Designation as a Sanctuary Jurisdiction

In May, Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island made it clear that the state is not a sanctuary state. He emphasized that the state adheres to federal court decisions, particularly the 2014 Morales v. Chadbourne case, which involves immigration and civil liberties. According to McKee, the state will cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when there is a warrant.

Despite this statement, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently included Rhode Island on a list of 35 “sanctuary jurisdictions.” The Trump administration claims these policies hinder federal immigration officials from performing their duties effectively. Massachusetts is not on the list, but the city of Boston is.

A spokesperson for the DOJ, in an extensive email exchange with 12 News, did not specify what policy changes Rhode Island needs to make. However, they stated that the federal government would assist any jurisdiction that wishes to be removed from the list.

Melanie Shapiro, an immigration attorney and professor at Roger Williams University School of Law, explained that the Trump administration might be concerned about a 2014 immigration policy implemented by former Governor Lincoln Chafee following the Morales decision. This policy instructs state agencies not to hold individuals on federal immigration detainers without a warrant or court order. Shapiro noted that this policy has been reaffirmed multiple times, including recently.

Shapiro warned that the new list could serve as a basis for the Trump administration to withhold federal funding. She suggested that this move is part of a broader effort to compel states and cities to align with the administration’s policies.

Attorney General Pam Bondi provided her reasoning for the new list in a statement. She argued that sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and endanger American citizens. Bondi pledged that the DOJ will continue legal actions against sanctuary jurisdictions and collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security to eliminate such policies nationwide.

When asked about the new DOJ list, McKee’s office maintained that the state is following federal immigration laws and plans to appeal the designation. Olivia DaRocha, a spokesperson for the governor, stated that the state has not received any formal communication or explanation from the Trump administration regarding its inclusion on the list.

Attorney General Peter Neronha, known for challenging several Trump administration policies, dismissed the issue. He urged the federal government to take legal action if it has a problem with the state. Neronha said, “If the federal government has a problem with this great state, bring an action. We’ll fight it out in court then. Until then, their words are of no moment to me.”

The debate over sanctuary jurisdictions highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities on immigration policies. As the situation unfolds, the implications for federal funding, legal challenges, and the broader impact on immigration enforcement remain significant topics of discussion.