Sheriff Crystal Cline Rejects DHS Labeling of Warren County as ‘Sanctuary Jurisdiction’

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked sharp criticism from local law enforcement after erroneously labeling Warren County, Virginia, as a “sanctuary jurisdiction”—a classification typically reserved for local governments that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Sheriff Crystal Cline is at the center of the response, demanding an immediate correction and public retraction of what she calls a “baseless mischaracterization” of her county and her office’s policies.

“As Sheriff, I am appalled by this baseless mischaracterization of our county,” said Cline. “Warren County has a longstanding, supportive, and active relationship with our federal partners—including ICE, DHS, HSI, FBI, etc. Our office has never enacted, endorsed, or tolerated policies that would obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration law.”

ICE Acknowledges Error, Issues Apology

Responding to Sheriff Cline’s objections, Russell Hott, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, issued a written apology, clarifying that the local ICE field office was not responsible for the inaccurate designation.

“While our local office was not a driver behind this release, we are working with ICE HQ to address the inaccuracies and misrepresentations on this DHS report,” Hott wrote. “With a long history of working together to make our communities safer, ICE Washington D.C. could not have better partners than those in Warren County.”

The DHS report at the center of the controversy lacks clear methodology, defined criteria, or a process for jurisdictions to challenge their inclusion, leading to criticism from law enforcement organizations across the country.

National Sheriffs’ Association Backs Cline

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) has also condemned the report. NSA President Sheriff Kiernan Donahue called the DHS publication a violation of “the core principles of trust, cooperation, and partnership with fellow law enforcement” and urged the immediate removal of the current list and a public apology.

Sheriff Cline said the flawed report has already damaged public trust and misrepresented the hard work and dedication of Warren County deputies and staff at the RSW Regional Jail, which serves Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren counties.

“To suggest Warren County is defying federal law is not only wrong,” Cline said, “but also an insult to the countless hours our deputies have spent supporting federal enforcement operations.”

Coordinated Response and Call for Accountability

Sheriff Cline has taken formal steps to correct the record, contacting:

• ICE Field Director Russell Hott

• The Office of the Governor of Virginia

  

• The FBI Field Office in Richmond

• The National Sheriffs’ Association

She has also formally requested that DHS remove Warren County from the list and issue a public apology to both her department and the community.

Cline emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that such mischaracterizations do more than damage reputations—they undermine law enforcement partnerships built over years of cooperation. “I want our residents to know that I take this matter seriously,” she said. “This designation is not only false—it is damaging to public trust and the shared mission of protecting our communities.”

A Commitment to Law and Community

Cline also took the opportunity to reaffirm her office’s commitment to public safety, transparency, and partnership with federal agencies. Warren County, she noted, remains firmly in support of upholding the law, including federal immigration statutes.

“Warren County will not stand idle while its values, law enforcement partnerships, and commitment to public safety are mischaracterized,” she said. “We will continue to advocate for transparency, accuracy, and mutual respect among all levels of government.”

As DHS faces pressure from local leaders and national law enforcement organizations, it remains unclear whether a formal apology or retraction will be issued. In the meantime, Sheriff Cline’s message is clear: Warren County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction, and any suggestion otherwise will be met with a firm and immediate response.

(from WCSO Press Release)