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.”
HUGE ‼️ “Sanctuary Mayors and Governors got some really terrible news this week”
“Stephen Miller, who slated to be Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, sent letters to 249 elected officials in sanctuary states and cities warning them of how much trouble they're gonna get in if… pic.twitter.com/rzT9QWtdm5
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) January 3, 2025
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.
Immigration hardliner Stephen Miller will be White House deputy chief of staff under President Trump has sent out 249 letters to Sanctuary City officials telling them NOT to block immigration enforcement or they will need to lawyer up.
It is a crime to interfere with federal… pic.twitter.com/15x0adhhVm
— ꪻꫝể ꪻꫝể (@TheThe1776) January 3, 2025
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.
Stephen Miller sent letters to 249 elected officials in sanctuary states and cities, warning them of the trouble ahead if they don’t start complying with the law and rounding up illegal immigrants.
Who’s ready with the popcorn when bulldog Tom Homan gets unleashed?🍿 pic.twitter.com/3s1ll3Vu0T
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) January 4, 2025
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.
Trump Policy Man Stephen Miller’s Law Firm Warns Sanctuary Cities
The law firm founded by Donald Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy is warning sanctuary cities and states against violating immigration laws. https://t.co/sG9QRcjXju via @BreitbartNews— bronxboy1 (@bronxboy1) December 31, 2024
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.
Brandon Johnson says he's going to protect the people of Chicago from (ICE) deportation
Tom Homan says he's going to start in Chicago
Raise your hand ✋️ if you want anyone who gets in the way of (ICE) agents to be arrested pic.twitter.com/PMujcuBCBP
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) December 30, 2024
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.