Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 27: The White House on Tuesday intensified its criticism of sanctuary policies, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying President Donald Trump is pushing for stronger cooperation from state and local governments to enforce federal immigration laws.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Leavitt argued that resistance by state and local authorities to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) undermines public safety. She accused Democratic leaders in Minnesota of deliberately obstructing federal immigration efforts and preventing ICE officers from carrying out their responsibilities.
Leavitt said President Trump held a conversation earlier in the day with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, during which he outlined what she described as three basic expectations for cooperation. These include handing over undocumented immigrants arrested by local police, transferring individuals with criminal histories to federal custody, and ensuring federal immigration officers can operate without interference.
According to the press secretary, such cooperation already exists in many states and should not be controversial. She claimed that refusal to work with federal authorities has had serious consequences, alleging that non-cooperation in Minnesota has “tragically cost lives.” She added that the administration is urging Congress to swiftly pass legislation that would permanently eliminate sanctuary city policies.
Leavitt acknowledged the constitutional right of Americans to protest but drew a clear line between lawful protest and obstructing law enforcement. “There is no constitutional right to interfere with lawful immigration enforcement,” she said, warning that such actions are criminal and place federal officers in danger.
Defending the administration’s broader immigration approach, Leavitt said President Trump remains focused on deporting what she called “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.” She noted that ICE has made multiple arrests in recent days involving individuals convicted of violent crimes, domestic abuse, fraud and drunk driving.
Addressing questions related to civil liberties and gun rights, Leavitt said the president continues to strongly support the Second Amendment for law-abiding citizens, but cautioned that carrying weapons while confronting law enforcement significantly raises the risk of fatal outcomes.
Immigration enforcement remains a deeply divisive issue in the US, with Democratic-led states and cities frequently challenging federal authority. For the Trump administration, enforcing cooperation with ICE remains a central pillar of its domestic security and immigration agenda.