Seattle authorities are facing criticism from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement regarding Leomar Alexander Lopez Zambrano, a Venezuelan national convicted of child molestation. ICE has issued a detainer request for Zambrano, who is nearing the end of a 15-month prison sentence, asking that he be handed over to federal custody rather than be released into the community.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin condemned the city's stance, stating, "Sanctuary politicians in Washington are refusing to honor the ICE detainer and hand this disgusting criminal over to us after he finishes his prison sentence." He emphasized that Zambrano has been convicted of two counts of child molestation. Without Seattle's cooperation, DHS warned, they would not be aware of Zambrano's release date.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration authorities and cities with sanctuary policies. These policies often limit cooperation with federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "The safest way to arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets is by lodging arrest detainers," an ICE statement read. "Because some sanctuary jurisdictions refuse to work with ICE law enforcement, criminal illegal aliens are released from jails into American communities to perpetuate more crimes."
Immigration experts suggest that recent election outcomes could embolden sanctuary jurisdictions to further resist federal immigration enforcement. Hans von Spakovsky, an immigration expert with Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital that the shift in Congress might encourage Democrat-run cities to intensify their stonewalling of immigration agencies. He also speculated that Democrats might attempt to target immigration enforcement resources through the congressional appropriations process, though he expressed doubt about the effectiveness of such measures.
Despite potential political headwinds, DHS maintains its commitment to deportations. "Deportations will continue," Mullin stated. Officials from Seattle did not respond to requests for comment regarding Zambrano's status.