U.S. Probes Release of Arrested Immigrant in First Challenge to Sanctuary Cities

The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into the release of a Mexican national by an upstate New York sheriff’s office, marking the first test of President Donald Trump’s effort to crack down on sanctuary cities. The probe comes after a new directive instructing federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who fail to comply with federal immigration enforcement policies.

Sheriff’s Office Released Immigrant Despite Federal Warrant

The case centers on Jesus Romero-Hernandez, 27, who had been arrested in Ithaca, New York, on an assault charge. Despite an outstanding federal arrest warrant for illegally reentering the U.S. after a prior removal, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office released him on Wednesday. Federal agents later took Romero-Hernandez into custody on an immigration charge.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove condemned the sheriff’s actions, stating that a defendant with no legal status and a history of violence had been released into the community despite federal authorities’ request for detention. He further expressed support for the local U.S. attorney’s office’s decision to investigate the incident for possible prosecution.

Ithaca Officials Defend Local Policies

City officials in Ithaca, a progressive hub in New York’s Finger Lakes region, defended their policies, saying that local police adhered to all city regulations and did not participate in any immigration enforcement activities. The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office has not issued a response regarding the case.

Justice Department Escalates Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities

Last week, Bove issued a memo instructing federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials if they are found obstructing federal immigration enforcement. This move is part of a broader Justice Department effort to challenge sanctuary city policies nationwide.

In addition to the probe, the Justice Department has reassigned more than a dozen senior attorneys to a newly created sanctuary cities working group, despite many having little experience in immigration law. The group has been tasked with identifying state and local laws that interfere with federal immigration enforcement, collecting evidence on the ground, and assessing the Trump administration’s policy of withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities.

Trump Administration Officials Target Major Cities

Bove recently traveled to Chicago to oversee a Department of Homeland Security enforcement operation, part of an effort to evaluate how sanctuary policies impact federal immigration efforts. Chicago’s mayor and law enforcement officials have publicly condemned the federal crackdown, accusing the administration of fostering fear and division within immigrant communities.