# Connecticut Named Among ‘Sanctuary Jurisdictions’ by Justice Department, Sparking Debate
In a move that’s kicked up a storm across Connecticut, the U.S. Justice Department has now called the state a “sanctuary jurisdiction.” Connecticut landed on a list with 12 other states, four counties, and 18 cities.
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This label is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement push. State officials aren’t happy about it, but Republican lawmakers are backing the move.
The whole mess just puts a spotlight on the tension between federal immigration policies and state laws meant to protect immigrant communities in Connecticut.
Understanding the Justice Department’s Sanctuary List
The new list singles out places that, according to the feds, have rules getting in the way of immigration enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi says the Department of Justice is ready to take legal action against these spots, aiming to wipe out what they see as obstructive policies.
Origins of the Sanctuary Designation
This all started with an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order told the Justice Department to find and call out jurisdictions with laws or directives that block federal immigration law.
The impact stretches from Hartford to New Haven, and Stamford to Waterbury—basically, anywhere with a sizable immigrant population. The Justice Department says they’ll keep updating the list as they get more info. They’ve even offered to help jurisdictions get off the list by dropping “sanctuary” policies.
Connecticut’s Official Response to the Designation
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong isn’t having it. He says “sanctuary” doesn’t mean anything legally, and Connecticut’s laws don’t fit the bill anyway.
Tong also pointed out that back in 2017, the Trump administration itself said Connecticut was following federal immigration law—and nothing’s changed since then.
Legal Battles on the Horizon
Tong blasted what he sees as repeated attempts by the Trump administration to cut off money for local law enforcement over this issue. “We will defend our policies in court if necessary,” he said.
Police departments and local governments in towns like Greenwich and Norwalk now find themselves stuck between federal demands and state rules. No easy answers there.
Republican Lawmakers Push Back
Not every state official is siding with Attorney General Tong. Senate Republicans Rob Sampson and Stephen Harding argue that Connecticut’s Democratic leaders are blocking local and state police from working with federal immigration authorities.
Claims of “Super Sanctuary” Status
Those same Republicans have gone even further, saying Connecticut is a “super sanctuary” state. They point to cases with violent felons, insisting that even then, state policies tie the hands of law enforcement when it comes to federal cooperation.
This take has caught on in some communities, especially in more conservative places outside big cities like New London and Middletown.
Implications for Connecticut Communities
This new designation throws Connecticut’s communities into a tricky spot. Immigrant advocacy groups in Stamford and Hartford worry it could chill community-police relationships.
The tug-of-war between federal immigration enforcement and state policies meant to build trust with immigrants just keeps getting messier. Local law enforcement agencies are left trying to keep community trust intact.
Honestly, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Folks across Connecticut are watching to see how this legal and political standoff plays out between state leaders and the federal government.
Here is the source article for this story: U.S. Justice Department places Connecticut on ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ list
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