As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for a significant deportation effort, a conservative legal organization, America First Legal (AFL), is issuing a warning to approximately 250 officials in "sanctuary" jurisdictions across the U.S. These jurisdictions restrict local law enforcement collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

AFL asserts that obstructing federal immigration enforcement or concealing individuals residing in the country illegally could have legal repercussions. Stephen Miller, AFL's president and future White House deputy chief of staff for policy, is leading this initiative. Trump has pledged a substantial deportation operation, and his transition team is actively working towards this objective.

While some Democratic officials in states like Arizona, Colorado, California, and Massachusetts have expressed resistance to cooperating, Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, has suggested potential legal consequences for those who impede the operation. The debate surrounding sanctuary policies continues, with proponents arguing that local authorities are not obligated to assist the federal government and that cooperation restrictions encourage undocumented individuals to report crimes, thereby enhancing safety. Conversely, opponents contend that these policies lead to the release of deportable criminals.

AFL's notification letter emphasizes the federal government's authority over immigration matters, citing federal laws that prohibit state and local interference with DHS communication regarding immigration status and criminalize the act of concealing or harboring undocumented individuals. AFL argues that sanctuary policies can result in criminal liability and potential lawsuits from victims of crimes committed by individuals residing in the country without legal authorization.

AFL has launched a website mapping "sanctuary strongholds," providing information on jurisdictions with sanctuary policies and contact details for elected officials. Furthermore, the organization has petitioned the DOJ for data on the citizenship status of individuals charged with crimes against women and children and is requesting information from officials nationwide regarding organizations believed to be undermining federal immigration enforcement.

AFL Senior Vice President Reed D. Rubenstein highlighted the recent arrest of an individual residing in the country without legal authorization in connection with a woman's death in New York City, emphasizing the dangers of open borders and sanctuary jurisdictions. This situation underscores the potential for a significant clash between the Trump administration and its supporters and those who oppose the deportation campaign at the state and local levels. Despite some resistance, certain Democratic officials have expressed a willingness to collaborate with the incoming administration. Homan's meeting with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to discuss potential cooperation, including the deportation of violent criminals residing in the country illegally, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's similar stance indicate a possible pathway for collaboration.

Recent data revealed approximately 1.4 million non-citizens with deportation orders not currently in ICE detention, further highlighting the complexity of the immigration landscape.