Fact Check: trump said Sanctuary cities are protecting criminals, not communities. Nearly 70% of criminals arrested in Washington went unprosecuted in 2022, that ends here.

Fact-Check: Trump's Claim on Sanctuary Cities and Criminals

What We Know

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump claimed that "Sanctuary cities are protecting criminals, not communities," and asserted that "nearly 70% of criminals arrested in Washington went unprosecuted in 2022." This statement touches on two significant issues: the role of sanctuary cities in law enforcement and the prosecution rates of arrested individuals.

1. Sanctuary Cities: The Justice Department defines sanctuary jurisdictions as those that have policies impeding the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Trump has consistently criticized these jurisdictions, stating they "protect the Criminals, not the Victims" and are "disgracing our Country" (White House Fact Sheet).

2. Prosecution Rates: Trump's claim regarding the prosecution rates in Washington state suggests that a significant number of individuals arrested were not prosecuted. However, specific data to substantiate the "nearly 70%" figure is not readily available in the public domain. A report from the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge indicates that arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increased during Trump's presidency, particularly for individuals without prior convictions, but does not confirm Trump's specific statistics on prosecution rates.

Analysis

Trump's assertion that sanctuary cities "protect criminals" is a common narrative among critics of these jurisdictions, but it lacks comprehensive empirical support. The Washington Post has previously pointed out that claims linking sanctuary cities directly to increased crime rates are often unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

Regarding the prosecution rates, the claim of "nearly 70% of criminals arrested in Washington went unprosecuted" requires further verification. While the UCLA report highlights a rise in arrests, it does not provide a clear breakdown of prosecution outcomes. The lack of specific data makes it difficult to assess the accuracy of Trump's claim.

Additionally, Trump's statements have been critiqued for lacking context and relying on anecdotal evidence rather than comprehensive studies. For example, a PolitiFact analysis noted that while some individuals arrested in sanctuary cities may not be prosecuted, this does not inherently mean that sanctuary policies are to blame for increased crime or lack of public safety.

Conclusion

The claim that "Sanctuary cities are protecting criminals, not communities" is a politically charged assertion that lacks robust empirical support. While there is evidence of increased arrests of non-criminal immigrants during Trump's presidency, the specific claim that "nearly 70% of criminals arrested in Washington went unprosecuted" is not substantiated by available data. Therefore, the overall verdict is Partially True. The statement reflects a viewpoint commonly held by critics of sanctuary policies, but it does not provide a complete or accurate picture of the situation.

Sources

1. Justice Department Publishes List of Sanctuary Jurisdictions
2. UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge Report
3. White House Fact Sheet on Sanctuary Cities
4. Washington Post on Trump's Claims
5. Video of Trump's Statement
6. PolitiFact Analysis on Sanctuary Cities
7. Newsweek on Trump's Updates
8. The Guardian on Trump's Political Strategy