Miami-Dade mayor ends sanctuary status, citing Trump’s order

The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Fla., on Thursday ordered his local jails to comply with President Trump’s executive order on immigration enforcement in light of the administration’s threat to cut funding to places that act as “sanctuaries” for illegal immigrants.

“In light of the provisions of the Executive Order, I direct you and your staff to honor all immigration detainer requests received from the Department of Homeland Security,” Mayor Carlos Gimenéz (R) wrote in a memo to the interim head of the corrections and rehabilitation department, as reported by the Miami Herald.

According to the newspaper, the country has never officially called itself a “sanctuary” and has asked the federal government to review its status in 2016.

{mosads}“Miami-Dade County complies with federal law and intends to fully cooperate with the federal government,” Gimenéz wrote.

“I will partner with the Board of County Commissioners to address any issues necessary to achieve this end,” the mayor added.

Trump tweeted about the decision Thursday night, calling it the “right decision.”

Miami-Dade Mayor drops sanctuary policy. Right decision. Strong! https://t.co/MtPvaDC4jM

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2017

Trump’s executive order, which instructs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cut funding to “sanctuary” cities and states, may end up costing Miami-Dade millions of dollars, the newspaper notes.

The orders signed on Wednesday also eliminate the “catch and release” policy that returned border-crossers to Mexico rather than detaining and processing them for deportation. 

“From here on out, I’m asking all of you to enforce the laws of the United States of America. They will be enforced and enforced strongly,” Trump said during his visit to DHS.

“Beginning today, the United States of America gets back control of its borders,” he added.

Updated 6:55 p.m.