Forget Sanctuary Cities — Florida has 7 Sanctuary Counties

The brutal murder of 32 year old Kathryn Steinle by Francisco Sanchez, a 45-year-old illegal alien, repeat drug offender and felon who was released from jail on April 15th, 2015 after San Francisco law enforcement officials declined to prosecute him, has become the eye of the storm in the public debate on immigration. Sanchez was in San Francisco because it is a “sanctuary city.”

Breitbart reports:

According to a March 2, 2015 “ICE Weekly Departures and Detention Report” obtained by Center for Immigration Studies expert Jessica Vaughan and shared with Breitbart News, there were 168,680 convicted criminal immigrants who had final orders of removal but who remained at large in the U.S.

Another 179,018 convicted criminal immigrants with deportation cases pending also remained at large.

Well San Francisco has nothing over the Sunshine State. Florida is home to seven “sanctuary counties.” The sanctuary counties are: Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

These counties are perfectly located along Florida’s East and West coast lines to allow illegal felons, like Francisco Sanchez, to enter with ease.

Sanctuary-Cities-Map

Map of sanctuary counties (yellow) and cities (red) in the United States. Map courtesy of the Center for Immigration Studies.

According to the Center for Immigration Studies:

More than 200 cities, counties and states across the United States are considered sanctuary cities. These state and local jurisdictions have policies, laws, executive orders, or regulations allowing them to avoid cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement authorities.

These “cities” ignore federal law authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to administratively deport illegal aliens without seeking criminal warrants or convictions from federal, state, or local courts.

Although federal law requires the cooperation, the Department of Justice has never sued or taken any measure, including denying federal funds, against a jurisdiction. On the contrary, the present administration has made it difficult for the states and localities which choose to aid in enforcing immigration laws. Federal law was labelled voluntary by the administration in a November 2014 policy memorandum signed by the Homeland Security Secretary.

Perhaps it is time for these seven counties to rethink giving aid and comfort to those who have at the least violated the law, and at the worst are criminal felons looking for their next victim?

UPDATE: The Center for Immigration Studies now lists only Clay and Alachua counties as sanctuaries for illegal aliens. Here’s the link: https://cis.org/Map-Sanctuary-Cities-Counties-and-States

EDITORS NOTE: It was San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi who allowed five time deported illegal alien Francisco Sanchez to allegedly kill helpless, unsuspecting Kate Steinle. If readers wish they may click here to send an email that admonishes and challenges San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi and Board of Supervisors regarding their sanctuary immigration policy.

RELATED ARTICLES:

AZ Sheriff: Obama Has Made US ‘A Sanctuary Nation’ – Breitbart

Obama Writes Personal Letter to Nearly 50 Felons, But Continues to Ignore Family of Murder Victim Kathryn Steinle [+video]

You’ve Heard of Sanctuary Cities. But Do You Know What They Are?

Rick Perry on Sanctuary Cities: ‘This Is About the Security of This Country’

How Sanctuary Policies Have Directly Led to Thousands of Crimes Against Americans

Illegal immigrants responsible for almost three-fourths of federal drug possession sentences in 2014

45 replies
  1. tracy sulyma
    tracy sulyma says:

    Amazing!I feel that these counties should be denied federal funding on our dime ,we as citizens should not have to live in fear , the criminals should be deported and if their country neefs us to help them with funding so be it

    Reply
      • Virgil L.
        Virgil L. says:

        After reading the list of santury counties in Florida I saw that Hillsborough County was on the list. I contacted the Count

        Reply
    • Maggie Wilson
      Maggie Wilson says:

      I called the police in Gainesville, Florida because my violent illegal immigrant neighbor threaten to shoot me and the policeman Mr. T. Devinnie or Devinny said he could not interrogate him because he has not shot me. He will not ask for his papers because Gainesville, Florida was a sanctuary city. I search to find if the information was true and found out that Gainesville is not a sanctuary city (Florida has only 7 sanctuary cities). Someone then informed me that the policeman has an illegal (no papers) mistress. Wow! What’s up with Gainesville’s Sheriff? All croo$$$…

      Reply
  2. Sandra Maudsley
    Sandra Maudsley says:

    What are we doing??? If I broke the law in this county, state, country or any other country I’d be in jail!

    Reply
  3. Janet L.
    Janet L. says:

    Finally, a politician that is logical! He makes more sense than the other fools running! Please wake up and vote responsibly. In the past six years we have gone through more abuse with the present administration than I can ever remember.

    Reply
  4. Dave
    Dave says:

    These cities appear to be ignoring the Federal Government. They don’t seem to be interested in avoiding cooperation with other federal agencies that violate the rights of natural citizens.

    Reply
    • Diane
      Diane says:

      No, Dave; these cities are “Obeying” the Federal Government. THAT is what the problem is! The federal Government under Obama, is run amuck!

      Reply
  5. Tim Stewart
    Tim Stewart says:

    I live in Pasco County for over 12 years, yet have never heard that Pasco is a sanctuary county. Quite an unpleasant surprise and a disappointment in our County gov’t and local media. Earlier this year they wanted to have home rule in Pasco, but they gave up on it. Home rule for what? Sanctuary residents? More money to their treasury? More power for covert operations?

    The cat is out of the bag now, and I will not support any effort that will give Pasco County anymore power or taxing ability for non-citizens. Where I live, we can’t even get the Sheriff to issue parking tickets. They claim they’re cash strapped. Really?

    Thanks for bringing this issue to the fore. Pasco County Commissioners just got a “black eye” for allowing this covert agenda to happen.

    Reply
    • barbara bartlett
      barbara bartlett says:

      ask your Commissioners about the illegal children that are being housed on Darlington and the fact that they let them double the amount of beds. Ask others about being chased off the property and threatened with arrest for asking about what was going on.

      Reply
      • Phillipe
        Phillipe says:

        That’s why I’m voting for Mr. Donald J. Trump.
        He is the only candidate who strongly has addressed from the beginning of his candidacy about the inmense problem that our beloved United States of America is sufferng from immigrants pouring to this Country..
        That’s why he is building a new and better Wall than the joke we have now . I hope he wins the precidency so this country can be how it was before. We need a strong President. Not one that has to be politically correct all the time. It’s enough already.
        It breaks my heart to know about this horrendous story. It’s horrible!!!
        May God helps us from Hillary or Bernie winning the presidency. It will be a disaster.
        We can’t be the saviors of everyone all the time. That is why this country is in a 19 trillion debt.
        May God bless America and keep us safe from Isis and all the criminal aliens.
        Let’s make America great again!

        Reply
          • mike g
            mike g says:

            TRUMP IS THE ANSWER. IF YOU DONT WANT TO VOTE FOR TRUMP, VOTE TO SAVE THE CONSTITUTION, VOTE TO SAVE THE US SUPREME COURT, VOTE TO SAVE THIS COUNTRY MOST OF US REALLY LOVE. THAT WHY YOU NEED TO VOTE, ” TRUMP ” ON NOV./08. VOTE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE NOT VOTING FOR THE NEXT 4 OR 8 YEARS. THE US SUPREME COURT JUDGES MY LAST 30, 40 YRS. OR LONGER. VOTE FOR THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

        • Ed Bennett
          Ed Bennett says:

          I feel the same way , that’s why I voted for Donald Trump . My wife and children did the same. I campaigned heavily for Trump and everyone I contacted was in agreement that the US is in dire need of a strong willed leader to restore sound policy in the governing of our nation .I live in Columbia County located in North Florida and our county IS NOT a sanctuary city and never will be. It is not uncommon to see immigration trucks and vans in the county removing illegals from the county. I have no idea what happens to them .Our county has always been strict on illegals thankfully .North Florida is full of Trump supporters .The Tampa ,Orlando and Miami areas are strong Democratic though and up till now did not boot out illegals but now Trump is in and will cut federal funding most likely the attitude will most likely change for illegals there.

          Reply
          • Lisa
            Lisa says:

            I just have one question….What would you do for your kids? I am guessing that anything right? Some “illegal” people in this country are looking for a better life…that is the reason they are here…they are not here to take your job..the jobs are given to them because they work hard and they earn them. I am sure most of you posting here are not Native Americans…so what did your ancestors do? Don’t you think others have the right to look for a better future too…

          • Dr. Rich Swier
            Dr. Rich Swier says:

            Lisa,

            Thanks for reading and commenting.

            This column isn’t about race or ethnicity. Congress makes all laws regarding immigration. The President of the United States is bound by oath to enforce those laws.

            If one breaks the law then they must face the consequences. No one is above the law.

            If you don’t like a law, contact your members of Congress and petition them to change it.

  6. Kat
    Kat says:

    Sanctuary Cities in California

    Bell Gardens, CA
    City of Industry, CA
    City of Commerce, CA
    Coachella, CA (Added 7-23-12, Source: La Voz de Aztlan. Passed in 2006 and existence supported by quotes in city’s 9-12-07 council meeting minutes.)
    Cypress, CA
    Davis CA
    Downey, CA
    Fresno, CA (6/13/07 Congressional Research Service)
    Greenfield, CA (Added 7-23-12, Source: Battle at the ballot box in Greenfield, Monterey County, The Herald, 6-1-12)
    Lakewood, CA
    Los Angeles, CA (Congressional Research Service)
    Long Beach, CA
    Lynwood, CA
    Maywood, CA
    Montebello, CA
    National City, CA
    Norwalk, CA
    Oakland, CA (Added 8-27-07. Source: 4/25/07 story by KCBS 740 AM. Link here.)
    Paramount, CA
    Pico Rivera, CA
    Richmond, CA (Added 11-5-09. Sources: Mayor Gayle McLaughlin’s campaign website from 2004, 2006)
    So. Gate, CA
    San Bernardino, Ca. (Added 6/7/07, reader submitted / 9/5/08 Listing disputed by the city administration* See addl.notes)
    San Diego, CA Sources: Congressional Research Service; SDPD chief endorses constoversial immigration bill, Fox-TV 5, 9-2-13
    Santa Clara County, CA (Added 11-29-10, source: Forced into Immigration Enforcement, A County Considers Plan B, 10-21-10, Huffington Post.)
    Santa Cruz, CA (Added 5/30/07, documented by KSBW news)
    San Francisco, CA (Congressional Research Service)
    San Jose, CA (6/13/07 Congressional Research Service)
    Santa Maria, CA (11-18-08 Submitted research from local activist/ Listing disputed by the city administration)
    Sonoma County, CA (Congressional Research Service)
    Vernon, CA
    Watsonville, CA (Added 5/30/07, documented by KSBW news)
    Wilmington, CA

    Reply
  7. Mimi
    Mimi says:

    Rick Perry is not the Governor of Texas. He is the FORMER governor of Texas. Please note that Mr. perry was a Democrat before he ran for Governor as a Republican.

    Reply
  8. Wade
    Wade says:

    Farmers that receive subsidies from the US government should be made to sponsor illegals that work for them and pay for any expenses while they are under their employment.

    Reply
  9. stanleyj
    stanleyj says:

    When you hear people say, “this is NOT who WE are”, remember what they are really saying is: “this is NOT who I am”.
    Ending Sanctuary cities IS who we are…because they are breaking the law.
    We are a nation of LAWS and we have to follow laws.
    They are hear illegally…hence the term: illegal Immigrants.
    I’m sure some are really nice, hard working people, but if you ignore that they are breaking the law. Then all law is out the window or,if not, who decides which laws we can abide by?
    Enter to country the right way and I do not have a problem with them at all. So stop calling me a bigot or racist to think this way. Law abiding citizens think this way, because we are LAW abiding.
    Anyone who is that Lawless, is the enemy of our Republic. Which is built on laws.
    Don’t enable LAWLESSNESS and get out of my face with your unearned moral superiority.
    End of Rant.

    Reply
  10. Frank Kalusa
    Frank Kalusa says:

    Why does a tax payer in a county not have a say as to who, why and when someone in that county decides to make it a sanctuary county? Before moving people check out crime rates, schools, neighborhoods but then move there only to have all that affected by now being changed to a sanctuary county. I’ve lived in either Pasco and Hillsborough counties for 19 years and only recently found out both counties are sanctuary counties. That’s just criminally wrong!

    Reply
  11. Drifter22
    Drifter22 says:

    Anyone that would create a sanctuary city/county to protect a illegal alien while ignoring or threatening a tax paying citizen over this issue should be put against the wall and shot! They were put in office by the TAXPAYER to serve and protect them, NOT some criminal that sneaks into our country in the dead of night!
    These kinds of people are always pushing for more laws, like back ground checks. I thought we already had back ground check as the guns I have been buying for years have all run back ground checks on me! What we need is back ground checks on ANYONE running for office, any office! A form they would have to fill out and sign and be NOTARIZED to be determined by the gun community and if after being elected they introduced any bill/law that went against The Constitution is an AUTOMATIC ten years in prison, MINIMUM, and NO APPEAL, NO EARLY PAROLE. All incurred cost would have to be paid for by them or their family!
    I’ll bet this kind of behavior would drop off dramatically.

    Reply
    • Lisa
      Lisa says:

      So who shot your ancestors when coming to this country? Read and educate yourself. Many Hispanics are more native to this country than most of you!

      Reply
  12. marsha mcgrath
    marsha mcgrath says:

    I came back to the U.S. from Australia for retirement and chose Florida for the warm weather. I am appalled to learn there are 7 counties here and one is where I live. Now that Trump is coming into office I sincerely hope he does something about all these criminals. If not I’ll consider going back to Australia although I wanted to be near family. I deserve peace of mind in my aging years and feel sorry for what our country has become. Shameful !!!

    Reply
  13. Charles Powell
    Charles Powell says:

    After 38 long years in South Florida law enforcement, enforcement of immigration never had materialized since I started in 1976. The most common response from the Feds were initially “If you don’t have a busload of illegals, ee don’t care. Ni resources to spare” That evolved into ICE which was a mere relabeling and painting of an old van. Had a shiny hood ornament, cost a huge amount of money, abd still burned oil. In other words it failed. Huge fascade.

    Reply
  14. doubting your statement
    doubting your statement says:

    I do not believe Pinellas is a sanctuary county…proof please. If you mean because Pinellas is on the coast and maybe easier to access, that could be true. Please give me some proof on your statement that Pinellas is a sanctuary county. I have researched and cannot find anything.

    Reply
  15. MD
    MD says:

    I was already outraged at the fact there are so many illegals and criminal illegals in the US, it’s good to get the facts…
    There is a book “‘Not Lost Forever, My Story of Survival” by Carmina Salcido & with Steve Jackson about how she was the only survivor of her family, even though her father Ramon Salcido went on a rampage killing her mother, two younger sisters, aunt and her mother’s suspected lover. Carmina at 3 years of age was also left for dead, her throat slashed…

    Reply
  16. JO ANNE ROWMAN MORRISSEY
    JO ANNE ROWMAN MORRISSEY says:

    Florida has no political transparency and has allowed my son’s preventable death to happen and laughing at mem, his 75 year old mother, who has not stopped seeking justice for his death,
    Because the Bank I worked for one of the largest land owners in this state, schooled in Title Seaches
    what I found, not just the death of my Son, my building related COPD and those owning multiple dealerships destruction of my Life and in finding cow dung emptying through storm drains on properties home owners are forced to maintain or be find DISGUST FOR EVERYPLACE CLASSIFIED AS A SANCTUARY AND THOSE USING THE ‘MALICE AFORETHOUGHT’ THEY KNOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH, AS A CHILD IN THE 2ND GRADE I BROKE DOWN FINDING MY FATHER SACRIFICES HIS LIFE TO SAVE OTHERS WHEN THE SAME CANNOT BE DONE FOR BORN AND RAISED IN AMERICA

    Reply
  17. Virginia
    Virginia says:

    Dr. Swier: The counties previously listed as sanctuaries have been removed from the list. No doubt due to public outcry!!

    Reply

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