U.S. Attorney General declares Rhode Island a “sanctuary jurisdiction”, threatens to pull federal funds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has notified Gov. Dan McKee that Rhode Island has been designated a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” warning the state to end policies that “thwart federal immigration enforcement.”

The August 13 letter, signed by Bondi, gives McKee until August 19 to respond, demanding Rhode Island confirm its compliance with federal law and outline steps to eliminate what the Trump administration considers sanctuary policies.

The letter states: “You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States.” Bondi continued with “This ends now.”

The letter warns that officials who obstruct federal enforcement could face criminal charges and that Rhode Island risks losing federal funding if it fails to comply.

Attorney General Peter Neronha, said the letter was “the tactic of a bully.” He continued stating “Rhode Island cooperates with federal law enforcement as required, but the law does not force us to divert resources to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. If the Trump administration disagrees, the doors of federal court are open.”

McKee also downplayed the letter, calling it a “generic, non-specific form letter” that “lacks any meaningful detail and does not merit a response.”

The designation stems from President Trump’s April executive order, “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens,” directing federal agencies to identify sanctuary jurisdictions and evaluate cutting off grants and other federal funds. Rhode Island was among 13 states listed by the DOJ back in May.

The DOJ cited state laws and policies, including a 2014 federal court ruling that prohibits Rhode Island from holding people in custody solely on ICE detainers without a warrant or court order. Following that decision, then-Governor Lincoln Chafee instructed state agencies not to honor ICE detainers unless supported by judicial authority.

Some state and local law enforcement agencies notify ICE when releasing individuals wanted by immigration authorities, allowing federal agents to take them into custody.

The below jurisdictions received a letter from the Department of Justice:

States:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

Counties:

• Baltimore County, Md.
• Cook County, Ill.
• San Diego County, Calif.
• San Francisco County, Calif.

Cities:

• Albuquerque, N.M.
• Berkeley, Calif.
• Boston
• Chicago
• Denver
• District of Columbia
• East Lansing, Mich.
• Hoboken, N.J.
• Jersey City, N.J.
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• New York City
• Newark, N.J.
• Paterson, N.J.
• Philadelphia
• Portland, Ore.
• Rochester, N.Y.
• Seattle
• San Francisco City