In a move that has left many Americans scratching their heads, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office in Ithaca, New York—a city known for its progressive policies—recently released Jesus Romero-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant with a history of violence, back onto the streets. This, despite an outstanding federal arrest warrant for illegally reentering the country after a prior deportation.

Now, you might be wondering, how does this happen? How does someone with a criminal record, who has been deported before, manage to waltz back into the country and get released by local law enforcement? The answer lies in the controversial concept of ‘sanctuary cities.’ These are jurisdictions that, in their infinite wisdom, have decided to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In this case, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office chose not to honor a federal detainer request, allowing Romero-Hernandez to roam free.

Enter the Trump Department of Justice. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove III didn’t mince words, stating that the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York is investigating this ‘failure’ by Sheriff Derek Osborne. Bove emphasized that the Justice Department will not tolerate actions that endanger law enforcement and make their jobs harder than they already are.

It’s about time. For too long, sanctuary cities have operated with impunity, placing their ideological agendas above the safety and security of their citizens. The release of Romero-Hernandez is a glaring example of this reckless disregard for public safety. Remember, this is a man who pleaded guilty to assault charges and had a federal warrant out for his arrest. Yet, in the name of political correctness, he was set free.

Critics of sanctuary policies argue that they create safe havens for criminals and undermine the rule of law. They contend that local officials, by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, are essentially aiding and abetting illegal activity. And it’s hard to disagree when you see cases like this.

Supporters, on the other hand, claim that such policies are necessary to protect immigrant communities and foster trust between law enforcement and residents. They argue that without sanctuary policies, immigrants might be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police. But at what cost? When the safety of the broader community is compromised, it’s clear that the balance has tipped too far.

The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not stand idly by while sanctuary jurisdictions flout federal law. The Justice Department’s investigation into the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office is a strong signal that there will be consequences for those who prioritize political agendas over public safety.

In the end, this isn’t just about one sheriff or one county. It’s about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our communities are safe. It’s about sending a message that if you break the law and reenter this country illegally, there will be consequences. And it’s about reminding local officials that their duty is to protect their citizens, not to play politics with public safety.

So, while some may decry the Trump administration’s actions as heavy-handed, many Americans see it as a necessary step to restore order and sanity to our immigration system. After all, if we can’t trust our local law enforcement to keep dangerous criminals off the streets, who can we trust?