Shelby County labeled ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ by Homeland Security
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A list released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled Shelby County as a “sanctuary jurisdiction.”
The DHS wrote, “Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities. Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.”
The DHS said the cities and counties on the list were identified by factors such as compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and “legal protections for illegal aliens.”
The DHS said each county and city on the list would receive formal notification of its non-compliance with federal states and that the department would demand the jurisdictions “immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.”
In response, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris rejected the label and emphasized Memphis’ diversity.
“We reject cliched labels that try to divide us up and define us. Shelby County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction, whatever that means. Shelby County is proud to be the most diverse county in Tennessee. And we are proud to be in a nation where due process is usually protected. Unfortunately, here in Shelby County today, like elsewhere in this version of America, Trump’s orders have led to widespread fear in our immigrant communities, due process rights being flouted, and even our churches having to end in person services out of concern for the safety of their congregation,” Mayor Harris said in a statement sent to FOX13.
The DHS said that their list of sanctuary jurisdictions will be reviewed and updated regularly and that “no one should act on this information without conducting their own evaluation of the information.”
Nashville was also mentioned on the list and noted as the only “sanctuary city” in Tennessee. Shelby County represented the only Tennessee county on the list. No cities or counties in Arkansas or Mississippi made the list.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young pointed out that Memphis is not on the list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” and said that is an important distinction.
“The city of Memphis is not on the list, and it is important to clarify that Memphis and Shelby County are separate governmental entities. The City of Memphis is not a sanctuary city, nor does it have policies that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Tennessee state law explicitly prohibits sanctuary jurisdictions, and Memphis complies fully with that law. Our focus remains on ensuring public safety for all residents, and we continue to operate within the bounds of state and federal law,” Young said.
The Memphis Police Department said there is no collaboration between the department and ICE.
“The Memphis Police Department is not engaged in any enforcement collaboration with ICE. Our priority remains on addressing crime and safeguarding the well-being of our community,” a spokesperson for MPD said.
Collierville Police said their department treats ICE the same as any other federal agency.
“The Collierville Police Department treats ICE as any other Federal Law Enforcement Agency. All requests for assistance are evaluated with the safety of our citizens, visitors, and our officers at the forefront. We follow all state and federal laws pertaining to ICE and welcome any outside resources that enhance our ability to keep Collierville safe,” a spokesperson for CPD said.
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