The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office in Ithaca, New York, after deputies released an illegal immigrant with a history of violent crimes, despite a standing federal arrest warrant. The incident has intensified tensions between federal immigration authorities and local jurisdictions with sanctuary policies.
Jesus Romero-Hernandez, a Mexican national who has been deported multiple times, was taken into local custody on January 28, 2025. However, rather than holding him for federal authorities, the sheriff’s office released him, despite an active federal warrant for illegal reentry. Two days later, federal agents tracked him down and took him into custody.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove sharply criticized the sheriff’s office, stating that the decision to release Romero-Hernandez was a serious breach of law enforcement cooperation. He warned that officials involved in the release could face legal consequences for failing to comply with federal detainment requests.
The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office has defended its actions, claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified of the planned release but did not take timely action to assume custody of Romero-Hernandez. The office also cited local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities unless a direct court order is issued.
This case has reignited debate over sanctuary policies in blue-leaning counties, where local authorities often resist federal immigration enforcement efforts. Critics argue that such policies undermine public safety by allowing dangerous individuals to avoid deportation, while supporters contend that local law enforcement should not act as immigration agents.
As the DOJ’s investigation moves forward, the case is expected to fuel further discussions on the balance between local autonomy and federal immigration enforcement, particularly in politically divided regions of the country.