Tim Griffin, the Arkansas Attorney General, said Wednesday that the City of Fayetteville is violating a state law banning “sanctuary policies” and is ineligible for discretionary state funding.
The opinion followed a request from Kendon Underwood, a Republican representative from Cave Springs, who raised concerns after Molly Rawn, Fayetteville’s mayor, said the Fayetteville Police Department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement. Underwood asked state leaders to withhold funds until the city complies with the law.
Rawn said Wednesday the city has never had a sanctuary policy and fully complies with state law. Kit Williams, the city attorney, said Fayetteville follows the statute and is not required to act as immigration agents.
Griffin said Rawn’s statement reflected a preexisting policy that violates the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act. The law bars local governments from adopting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities and withholds state funding from those found in violation until they repeal the policies.
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