CNN reported Friday that US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement have deliberately targeted so-called “sanctuary cities” with increased enforcement and detentions of undocumented immigrants.
“Sanctuary cities” are those municipalities that have declined to direct or allow local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration law, including ascertaining immigration status of people they come into contact with and detaining undocumented immigrants.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Madison Police Chief Mike Koval and Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney have all said local law enforcement will not detain undocumented immigrants without a federal warrant. The Madison Common Council also passed a resolution that limits communication between the City of Madison and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement; restricts the spending of City funds on immigration enforcement actions; prohibits City agencies from denying City services based on immigration status; and makes clear that city officials, like the police, will not ask or disclose someone’s immigration status unless the person has committed a felony, among other things.
New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are also considered sanctuary cities.
An anonymous source told CNN the high-ranking ICE officials have discussed in internal meetings carrying out more raids on those locations.
