Sanctuary City Shield: Politicians Protect Criminal Illegals While Trump Cracks Down

A White House memo, issued on February 25, 2025, criticizes politicians in “sanctuary” cities for protecting illegal immigrant criminals from deportation. It highlights recent ICE arrests of violent offenders—including rapists, murderers, and drug traffickers—in sanctuary cities such as St. Paul, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. The memo argues that these individuals would still be free if not for President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. It also condemns public officials like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mayor Karen Bass, and Attorney General Keith Ellison for opposing cooperation with ICE, portraying them as prioritizing illegal immigrants over public safety.

Text of full White House memo:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/25/25  Sick Politicians Want Killers, Rapists Roaming Our Streets

President Donald J. Trump is removing illegal immigrant killers, rapists, and drug dealers from our streets and sending them back where they belong — but if politicians in so-called “sanctuary” locales had it their way, these vicious criminals would still be free to roam our streets.   Here is a tiny sample of the illegal immigrant criminals arrested in “sanctuary” destinations under President Trump:In Saint Paul, Minnesota, ICE has arrested a Sudanese national convicted of rape of a victim under 13, a Mexican national convicted of criminal sexual conduct against a victim under 14, and a Laotian national convicted of child endangerment and criminal sexual conduct against a victim under 13. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison warns law enforcement of “liability if they enforce immigration detainers” and says protecting communities from violent illegal immigrant criminals is “not our job.”Mayor Melvin Carter says targeting violent illegal immigrant criminals is “threaten[ing] our safe spaces” and calls it a “rapidly alarming situation.”Saint Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim reminds constituents that the police department “cannot and does not cooperate with ICE.”  In Chicago, Illinois, ICE has arrested a Mexican national convicted of drunk driving resulting in a death (who had an order of removal from 2006), a Mexican national convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (who had an order of removal from 2022), and a Mexican national convicted of negligent manslaughter.Rep. Delia Ramirez decries how “welcoming states and sanctuary cities that defend our neighbors” are a “target.”Rep. Chuy García says “no one should live in fear” of an “immigration raid.”Rep. Mike Quigley advises illegal immigrants “to become familiar with their rights.”  In Washington State, ICE has arrested a Salvadoran national convicted of sodomy/anal intercourse with a victim under 13.Washington Attorney General Nick Brown boasts that “state or local law enforcement” will not be utilized “for immigration enforcement actions.”  In Los Angeles, California, immigration authorities arrested a Mexican national convicted of rape (who had an order of removal from 1996).Mayor Karen Bass says “no one should live in fear due to their immigration status.”  In New York City, New York, immigration authorities arrested a Chinese national convicted of murder.Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reminds illegal immigrants to “protect” themselves: “Do not open your door.”