Stephen Miller Warns Sanctuary Jurisdictions Over Liability Risks
Stephen Miller, who will serve as a key adviser to President Donald Trump, has sent a stern warning to sanctuary jurisdictions across the country, urging local leaders to reconsider their policies in light of potential criminal and civil consequences. The warning came in a letter from his legal firm, America First Legal (AFL), addressed to 249 sanctuary leaders.
In his letter, Miller stressed the importance of following federal immigration laws, pointing out that concealing, harboring, or shielding illegal immigrants is a federal offense. “Federal law is clear,” the letter read, “aliens unlawfully present in the United States are subject to removal, and it is a crime to obstruct federal law enforcement.”
The letter reminded local officials that the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause makes federal law the highest authority, superseding any state or local laws that conflict with it. This applies to sanctuary policies, which Miller’s firm argues are illegal and can lead to serious consequences for those who enforce them.
Miller’s legal team also highlighted the risks of criminal liability for those involved in sanctuary policies. “Sanctuary jurisdiction policies can lead to criminal liability,” the letter warned. It pointed out that officials who work with sanctuary policies could be held responsible under federal conspiracy laws, even if they do not directly shield illegal immigrants.
In addition to criminal charges, Miller’s letter warned that sanctuary jurisdiction policies could lead to significant financial penalties for public officials. The letter explained that individuals who are harmed by crimes committed by sanctuary-protected immigrants could potentially sue officials involved in such policies under federal law.
The letter concluded with a quote from former President Theodore Roosevelt, urging officials to obey the law or face the consequences. “No man is above the law,” the letter read, quoting Roosevelt’s famous words.
California officials quickly rejected the letter’s threat, arguing that state laws such as Senate Bill 54 protect sanctuary jurisdictions. While the law prevents local authorities from using state resources for federal immigration enforcement, Bonta’s office confirmed that it does not interfere with federal actions.
