WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security has identified several Mid-Hudson counties and municipalities as sanctuary jurisdictions, claiming they obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Such designations are based on the assertion that these areas compromise public safety by shielding undocumented immigrants from legal consequences.
In a statement, DHS characterized sanctuary jurisdictions as “deliberately and shamefully” hindering the enforcement of immigration laws, implying that these actions put American communities at greater risk. The agency labeled counties such as Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester as non-compliant with federal directives, a claim that local officials contest.
Cities that DHS identified as self-declared sanctuary areas include Beacon, Hudson, Kingston, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and the Village of New Paltz. In a recent announcement, the agency urged these jurisdictions to reassess their policies and prioritize adherence to federal immigration laws and the safety of American citizens.
Local leaders from Ulster County and Kingston have pushed back against the DHS accusations. County Executive Jen Metzger and Kingston Mayor Steve Noble expressed their commitment to compliance with federal laws and indicated they have received no formal communication explaining their designation. They reaffirmed their dedication to public safety and upholding the U.S. Constitution.
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus stated that his county’s inclusion on the list was erroneous. He added that discussions are underway among county executives and the New York State Association of Counties to challenge the identification. Neuhaus firmly believes this misclassification will be corrected soon, asserting that Orange and neighboring counties do not qualify as sanctuary locations.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino echoed those sentiments, questioning the criteria used by DHS to compile its list. She mentioned that no prior communication was received from federal authorities regarding any violations and vowed to seek clarification and support from federal representatives to address the issue.
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne also refuted his county’s classification. He emphasized that under his administration, Putnam County would maintain its status as a “Rule of Law” county. Byrne described actions taken to counter the influx of migrants from New York City and expressed a commitment to collaboration among all levels of law enforcement.
These local officials are determined to dispel the “sanctuary” label attributed to their jurisdictions, insisting that their policies align with federal immigration laws and uphold community safety. Many are now looking for formal pathways to rectify what they view as damaging misrepresentations.
The ongoing conflict highlights tensions between federal immigration policy and local governance, as jurisdictions strive to define their roles in an increasingly complex landscape of immigration enforcement.
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