Miller Issues Strong Warning To Sanctuary Leaders, Cites Legal Risks

Stephen Miller, a prominent adviser to President Donald Trump, has warned leaders in sanctuary cities and states that their policies could expose them to legal and financial liabilities. The warning came in the form of a letter from America First Legal (AFL), Miller’s legal firm, sent to 249 sanctuary officials.

In the letter, Miller emphasized that federal law prohibits concealing or harboring illegal immigrants and that it is a crime to block federal immigration enforcement. The letter stressed that sanctuary policies violate these federal mandates and warned that officials could face criminal prosecution as a result.

Miller’s firm pointed out that federal immigration law takes precedence over state and local laws, citing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. It also warned that sanctuary jurisdiction policies could lead to personal financial liability under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

One of the most serious concerns raised in the letter was the potential for criminal charges. Miller’s team explained that officials involved in implementing sanctuary policies could be held liable under federal conspiracy laws, even if they did not directly assist in the shielding of illegal immigrants.

In addition to the threat of criminal prosecution, the letter pointed out that sanctuary jurisdictions could be held responsible for damages under RICO if individuals protected by these policies commit crimes. “Victims of crimes committed by aliens protected by sanctuary policies may be able to sue for triple damages,” the letter stated.

The letter concluded with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt, reminding officials of their responsibility to obey the law. California officials, however, rejected the letter, with Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office calling it a baseless scare tactic and affirming that the state’s sanctuary laws, such as Senate Bill 54, remain in effect.

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