The Department of Homeland Security's list of so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions" has disappeared from the agency's website. The list included 33 localities from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The site published Thursday listed more than 500 localities as sanctuary jurisdictions, including Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Gloucester County. DHS defined these as places "obstructing immigration enforcement."
Visitors to the DHS Sanctuary Jurisdictions web page now see an error message stating the page may have been "moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable."
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Each city listed would receive formal notice for violating or not complying with federal law, according to the DHS.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) added that this list was made to give localities a chance to respond and collaborate with federal authorities regarding the Trump administration's crackdown on on undocumented immigration.
"Virginia is not a sanctuary state, and I've made that really clear. And our collaboration with the federal agencies and resources has been complete. And since I have been really encouraged by the success of the work that we have undertaken," Youngkin said.
He added he'd expect cities and counties listed to react.
"And I think the ones that don't do that, we should collectively really ask, why not?" Youngkin said.
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The City of Virginia Beach believe they were "erroneously" placed on the DHS list. Read their full statement below:
"As a major tourist destination, the City of Virginia Beach prides itself on being a welcoming community. The City of Virginia Beach works tirelessly to uphold public safety and fully comply with applicable federal laws. The City Council has not adopted any policies that would indicate that the City has a position of not supporting applicable federal laws. Therefore, the City believes it has been erroneously placed on this list. We have notified federal officials to gather feedback on how the City of Virginia Beach was put on this list. We are confident we will resolve this matter once we receive official communication from the Department of Homeland Security."
Virginia Beach attorney Timothy Anderson told News 3 it was an unwelcome surprise to see Virginia Beach on the list, especially when other cities in Hampton Roads were distinctly omitted.
"It was weird. It was a strange list," said Anderson. "In a city like Virginia Beach where law and order matters and you're here and breaking the law and we find out that you're illegally here and ICE can do what they're going to do, to say otherwise in some kind of broad swoop is gross."
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Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones similarly told News 3 that the DHS list was "mischaracterizing" the city's policies.
“Newport News cooperates with federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as required by law. The federal government either misunderstands or is mischaracterizing the City’s practices and policies, which balance cooperation with federal agencies and a steadfast commitment to public safety and protecting all who call our city home. We are committed to following the law and protecting the constitutional rights of all city residents. We remain dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of our residents and we will continue to stand united in protecting our community’s future.”
Hampton mayor Jimmy Gray said his city has not received any formal letter or explanation from DHS. He also believes Hampton was wrongfully listed.
"You know our city council has not adopted any ordinances, policies or resolutions, classifying ourselves as a sanctuary city. So when you end up on a list like that, obviously, it draws attention. We've gotten emails from our citizens," said Gray. "All I can say to the public is this is not Hampton, Virginia. And our police department and the city are cooperating when [we] are requested to assist with any execution of warrants or other activities involving Homeland Security agents working in our city."
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He added an additional comment directed to people who've moved into his city from other places.
"We're a diverse community and we want people who are legally able to live in the country to live in our city. Our police department is not actively pursuing anybody or checking immigration status as part of normal duties each day. We cooperate when we're required to," said Gray.
Read the city of Hampton's statement below:
The City of Hampton is calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide an explanation for its inaccurate inclusion of Hampton on a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions."
The "sanctuary" list has since been removed from government websites. We are pleased that it has been taken down, probably because more work needs to be done to ensure its accuracy.
The incorrect designation was announced over the weekend. The classification is unsupported by city policy or practice, and city officials contacted regional Homeland Security officials requesting an explanation.
Hampton has not adopted any ordinance, policy, or resolution identifying or establishing itself as a “sanctuary city.” The city has not denied U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to any of its jail facilities, and is part of a regional jail system that currently houses ICE detainees. Hampton maintains open lines of communication between our Hampton Police Division and regional Homeland Security personnel.
Mayor Gray responded to the city's inclusion on the list with a letter to the Department of Homeland Security.
The City of Hampton is committed to upholding the rule of law while fostering a safe and welcoming community for our residents.
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Gloucester County leaders also believe Gloucester County was on the list in error.
Gloucester County fully cooperates with federal law on immigration. We believe being placed on the list was a total error as it was with other communities that were listed.
A spokesperson for the City of Portsmouth said "we are researching this as well," but did not elaborate.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) commented on the list on his Facebook page, writing, "Trump has mass fired feds, including a record number of vets. It seems the Admin is using AI to do their work — causing idiotic errors. We'll work to fix them, mindful that this kind of incompetence is why VA voters have always rejected Trump."
National Politics
Department of Homeland Security releases list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions'
DHS officials did not directly respond to why the website was down on Sunday. However, officials did issue a statement saying the list is being constantly reviewed and can be updated regularly.
Officials said localities were added to the list based on whether they identified as a sanctuary jurisdiction, were in noncompliance of immigration laws, had restrictions on information sharing or offered legal protections for undocumented immigrants.
Watch related coverage: ICE agents wait in hallways of immigration court as Trump seeks to deliver on mass arrest pledge
Officials across Central Virginia insist they are following immigration laws as well. The City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties were also part of the possibly-erased list.
A Richmond spokesperson said the city does not identify as a "sanctuary city." They added that the Richmond Police Department has not signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE, which would authorize local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.
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