As Americans observe Thanksgiving, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlighted recent arrests of individuals described as dangerous criminal illegal aliens in states with sanctuary policies. The agency's statement comes amid ongoing debate about the impact of sanctuary laws on public safety.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Americans should take a moment at the table this Thanksgiving to give thanks to the men and women of ICE law enforcement who are literally putting their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists. No one should be more grateful than those living in sanctuary states where their politicians failed to protect them and chose to prioritize criminal illegal aliens over their own constituents' safety. Governor Newsom, Governor Pritzker, and Governor Hochul, you’re welcome for making your neighborhoods safe again.”
ICE reported multiple arrests in California, Illinois, and New York involving individuals identified as members of gangs such as MS-13, Latin Kings, Paisas, Nortenos, Surenos-13, Black Guerrilla Family, Tren de Aragua, and West Side 18th Street. Those arrested face or have been convicted of charges including homicide, sexual assault with a firearm, aggravated assault on a federal officer, burglary, human trafficking or slavery offenses, drug trafficking or possession offenses—including heroin distribution—and racketeering.
The agency emphasized that some of those detained had previously been removed from the United States several times but returned illegally. In some cases cited by ICE officials in Illinois and California operations specifically targeted repeat offenders with violent backgrounds or outstanding warrants abroad.
Sanctuary state policies limit cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities regarding detention requests for certain immigrants. This has led to differing views among policymakers regarding community safety versus immigrant protections.
