LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michele Hoitenga on Friday announced that the Center for Immigration Studies’ (CIS) has removed its sanctuary designation of Wexford County, emphasizing that law-abiding communities across Northern Michigan reject such policies.
“Legal immigration is a welcome part of our communities and economy in Northern Michigan, but this designation of Wexford County as a sanctuary jurisdiction for illegal immigrants was inappropriate, unwelcomed and immediately rejected by local residents,” said Hoitenga, R-Manton. “My team worked with local and federal officials to get this inaccurate report removed from the organization’s listings, and I’m glad to see it gone. Wexford’s removal from this disgraceful list is a victory for law-abiding residents.”
Hoitenga’s office played a key role in coordinating the effort to remove Wexford County from the sanctuary city listing, working closely with the director of CIS as well as the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office.
The senator has been a fierce opponent of self-identified sanctuary communities and has supported legislation to ban the practice in Michigan. She said the effort to remove Wexford County from the CIS listings reflects the conservative values of the 36th Senate District, where residents demand community safety and the rule of law over “the reckless, open-border agenda of the radical left.”
“With President Trump back in the White House, this is another reminder that the disastrous open-border policies of the Biden administration are over,” Hoitenga said. “Our efforts, along with local officials and federal authorities, to remove Wexford County’s name from this nefarious list will help protect local resources and keep Northern Michigan residents safe.
“I am grateful to the local residents and leaders who continue to oppose lawless sanctuary jurisdictions and will continue fighting against these dangerous policies on their behalf.”