Stephen Miller, a prominent adviser to President Donald Trump, has issued a firm warning to sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States, advising them to rethink their policies regarding illegal immigration. Miller, through his legal firm America First Legal (AFL), sent a letter to 249 sanctuary leaders, highlighting the legal liabilities that could arise from harboring or shielding illegal immigrants.
Miller’s letter pointed out that federal law mandates the removal of aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and that obstructing federal immigration enforcement is a violation of U.S. law. “Federal law is clear,” the letter stressed, emphasizing that it is illegal to shield or conceal illegal immigrants. The warning comes amid growing concerns over sanctuary policies that protect undocumented individuals from federal immigration authorities.
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
A central argument in the letter was the assertion that sanctuary policies are in direct conflict with the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which gives federal law precedence over any state or local laws. This principle, according to Miller’s firm, makes sanctuary policies illegal and exposes local officials to significant legal consequences.
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
In addition to highlighting potential criminal charges, Miller’s letter also warned that public officials in sanctuary jurisdictions could face civil liability. The letter explained that if crimes are committed by individuals shielded under sanctuary policies, officials could be held responsible, potentially leading to lawsuits under federal law. The prospect of financial penalties for sanctuary leaders who fail to comply with federal immigration law has added pressure to the ongoing debate.
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
Miller’s warning also invoked criminal conspiracy laws, suggesting that those who are involved in enforcing sanctuary policies could be subject to prosecution even if they don’t directly assist illegal immigrants. This part of the letter reinforces the gravity of non-compliance with federal immigration enforcement.
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 California Attorney General’s office quickly dismissed Miller’s warnings, defending the state’s Senate Bill 54, which shields local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration actions. However, California authorities also acknowledged that federal law enforcement can still operate within the state, raising questions about the limits of sanctuary protections.
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
Miller’s letter concluded with a powerful reminder from former President Theodore Roosevelt, urging local leaders to obey the law. “No man is above the law,” it quoted, underscoring the legal obligations of public officials to uphold federal immigration policies.
