DHS secretary won't abolish ICE, now planning action against sanctuary cities that refuse to work with agency
WASHINGTON, DC — A member of President Joe Biden’s cabinet has seemingly changed his tune and is now suggesting the administration will start taking a harder stance on some issues pertaining to illegal immigration in order to deal with the ongoing crisis at the U.S. border.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reaffirmed his support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has even revealed that he is planning to take action against sanctuary cities that refuse to work with the agency, according to an exclusive report by The Washington Times.
#BadBiden: "DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says he’s preparing to take on sanctuary cities that refuse to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he wants to see more illegal immigrants face criminal prosecution for jumping the border."
EXCLUSIVE: Biden’s DHS chief vows to defend ICE, battle sanctuary cities
— David Bier (@David_J_Bier) April 7, 2021
Mayorkas also indicated that more illegal immigrants should face criminal prosecution for crossing into the border, according to the report.
In addition, the secretary also rejected the notion that ICE should be abolished or split up, going against what some in Biden’s political base have previously called for.
Homeland Secretary Mayorkas to take on sanctuary cities, says he won’t ‘abolish ICE’ | Just The News
Homeland Secretary Mayorkas to take on sanctuary cities, says he won't 'abolish' ICE
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) April 7, 2021
Mayorkas’ comments were gleaned from a virtual forum with ICE employees that took place last week.
When The Washington Times reached out to DHS for a comment on Mayorkas’ statements, the department declined, citing “internal discussions with our personnel, including those that are deliberative and law enforcement sensitive.”
The Biden administration has fired 32 members of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
A letter Friday from DHS secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told members that he has ended the “terms of current HSAC members effective March 26, 2021.”
Biden administration guts Homeland Security Advisory Council pic.twitter.com/IUgNdpo5M7
— POLITICO (@politico) March 26, 2021
The Washington Times reviewed the notes of the secretary’s conversation with employees from ICE’s branches of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA).
ERO handles deportations; HIS focuses on human trafficking, child pornography and gang activity; and OPLA litigates cases in immigration courts.