Democrats Brace for Mass Deportations in Sanctuary Cities
Democrat-run cities and states are experiencing growing uncertainty over how effective sanctuary policies, designed to combat deportations of undocumented immigrants, will be under President-elect Donald Trump's new administration, party insiders have told Newsweek.
One Democratic Party donor, who supports those vulnerable to federal immigration policies, shared unease within Democratic circles that sanctuary cities, where local governments limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, could be targeted.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the Democrat from California, meanwhile, suggested local law enforcement's lack of desire to look for undocumented immigrants could be more influential in stemming deportations than sanctuary cities' rules.
Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican from Louisiana, who has proposed legislation to prevent sanctuary states from offering Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants vowed:"We will close the border."
Why It Matters
Immigration is at the forefront of the new administration's agenda, with Trump having promised American voters he will conduct the largest deportation program in U.S. history starting on 'Day 1' of his second term.
Many Democrats see sanctuary cities as a human rights issue, but for conservatives the locations are often touted as safe havens for undocumented immigrants.
Democrats have been touting the strength of the unofficial sanctuary status, but Trump's resolve will likely provide a stress test in the coming four years.
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