Ulster County Executive Pushes Back on ‘Sanctuary Jurisdictions’ List: “We Are in Full Compliance with Federal Law”

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is speaking out after Ulster was named in a controversial list published last week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which categorized nearly 400 cities and counties as so-called “Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law.” The list included neighboring Orange and Sullivan counties and drew immediate backlash from officials across the country—prompting DHS to quietly remove the page from its website.

In an interview with Radio Catskill, Metzger called the list arbitrary and misleading, emphasizing that Ulster County is not in violation of federal law and is committed to both constitutional rights and the rule of law.

“There is no clear definition of what a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ even is,” Metzger said. “But the idea behind these designations—going back to the Trump administration—is that certain communities are committed to protecting the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status. And those rights are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.”

Ulster County, Metzger explained, operates under an executive order issued in 2019 by her predecessor, now-Congressman Pat Ryan. That order prohibits county employees from collecting or sharing information about a resident’s immigration status unless required by law, and it requires federal immigration officials to present a judicial warrant before taking action on county property.

“That executive order remains in place, and it is consistent with federal law and constitutional protections,” she said. “We are not obstructing law enforcement—we are ensuring due process.”
Metzger pointed out that the DHS list stemmed from an April executive order by former President Donald Trump, recently reintroduced by his administration. The order directs the U.S. Attorney General to pursue legal action against state and local officials who “obstruct criminal law” or restrict law enforcement activity under the banner of civil rights or diversity initiatives. However, Metzger said the order is vague and potentially dangerous.

“It doesn’t define what a sanctuary jurisdiction is or how it supposedly violates federal law,” she said. “We’ve received no letters from the federal government—only a letter in December from a private organization aligned with the Trump agenda. It’s unclear how this list was compiled or what legal basis it rests on.”

She also flagged language in the executive order calling for military and national security assets to be transferred to local law enforcement—a move she described as unconstitutional.

“Military forces are not supposed to be used for domestic policing. This is not consistent with the Constitution,” she said. “We’ll have to see what comes of that, but it’s deeply concerning.”
Metzger said Ulster County residents should be assured that the county is operating within the bounds of the law and remains committed to protecting individual rights.

“There is no basis for Ulster County to be on that list,” she said. “We are in full compliance with federal law. And we strongly believe in protecting the constitutional rights of everyone in our community.”

While the DHS has since removed the list from its website, Metzger says the lack of transparency and legal clarity raises broader concerns about how such policies may be enforced in the future.
“We’re going to stay vigilant,” she said. “And we will continue to stand by the Constitution.”

Story by Kimberly Izar, Radio Catskill

Image: Sign at protest in Gardiner, NY, this April. (Credit: The 50501 Movement)