Lamont, Tong Push Back On Homeland Security Claim That CT Is A Sanctuary State

State officials are pushing back at what they say is the false labeling of Connecticut as a sanctuary jurisdiction by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“There is nothing in our laws or statutes that says Connecticut is a ‘sanctuary’ state. We are not. That is a meaningless term,” Attorney General William Tong said in a statement. “It is the policy of the State of Connecticut to respect, honor and protect immigrants and immigrant families in compliance with the law.”

However, state Republican leaders say the notice should not be a surprise especially with the passage of the Trust Act by the state legislature this week.  

In a statement of their own, Republican state senators Rob Sampson and Stephen Harding said the term  ‘super sanctuary’ is more appropriate for Connecticut.  

“And Connecticut’s super sanctuary policy is statewide, not just in a few cities,” Sampson and Harding said. 

In a list released Thursday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security included Connecticut as among the states, cities and counties that it says are “deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens.”

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in the posting on the DHS website that sanctuary cities and politicians are protecting immigrants who are committing crimes, and will be receiving formal notices about non-compliance and potential violations of federal criminal statutes.

“We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law,” Noem said in the statement. “President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”

The notice says that each jurisdiction listed will get a formal notice of its non-compliance in accordance with a Trump Executive Order, which directed Noem and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to publicly list jurisdictions it claims are not cooperating with federal immigration authorities. 

Connecticut itself is described as “self identified” as a sanctuary state. The notice also specifically lists six towns and cities including East Haven, Hamden, Hartford, New Haven, New London and Windham.

The department is demanding, according to the notice, that Connecticut and all jurisdictions cited review and revise policies so they “align with federal immigration laws.” 

Tong said that in 2017 President Donald Trump’s administration certified Connecticut’s compliance with federal regulations which stipulate communication between government agencies and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. 

“Nothing has changed to alter that certification, other than Trump’s unhinged fixation on defunding and commandeering our police,” Tong said. “We sued the last time Trump attempted to defund our law enforcement, and we are prepared to defend Connecticut funding and public safety,” 

Governor Ned Lamont said he and other state leaders want local law enforcement to remain focused on keeping communities safe, which includes getting those “who commit serious crimes off our streets.”

Lamont referred to the state’s Trust Act as consistent with federal constitutional standards while also maintaining public safety.

“I am focused on making sure people feel safe in our schools, churches, and elsewhere,” Lamont said in a statement. “Nothing about this makes Connecticut a ‘sanctuary’ in any legal or practical sense. It makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities.”

One thing both Republicans and Lamont seem to agree on is that the Trust Act was initially bipartisan, but that stopped when Democrats added amendments when the bill was approved this week. 

Sampson and Harding accused Lamont of “folding like a lawn chair” on the Trust Act. 

House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said the amendments made to the Trust Act  – including adjustments to crimes exempted under the law and empowering undocumented immigrants to sue if they were to be wrongfully held in violation of the act – took the bill beyond its original purpose of protecting citizens from crime. 

“Instead, it now shields illegal immigrants who are endangering our communities,” he said. If these federal designations are the wake-up call Democrats need — so be it.”