DOJ Names Rhode Island, 12 States Sanctuary Jurisdictions for Immigration Policies

The U.S. Department of Justice has designated Rhode Island as a sanctuary jurisdiction, citing state policies that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws. This designation stems from a 2014 Rhode Island policy, reinforced under former Governor Lincoln Chafee, which instructs state agencies not to hold individuals on federal immigration detainers without a warrant or court order, a practice upheld by the Morales v. Chadbourne federal court decision. The Trump administration, under Executive Order 14287, argues that such sanctuary policies obstruct law enforcement efforts and endanger American citizens, with Attorney General Pam Bondi stating the DOJ will continue litigation against these jurisdictions. Rhode Island, along with other states including California and New York, was included on a list that also names cities like Boston, though the DOJ has not specified what policy changes Rhode Island must make to be removed from the list. State officials and legal experts contend the designation is a political move aimed at pressuring states to align with federal immigration enforcement priorities. The DOJ has offered to assist jurisdictions in revising policies to regain compliance, while some states maintain that their laws do not conflict with federal law and serve to protect immigrant communities.