In the national conversation about immigration, Sanctuary Jurisdictions have become a frequent point of discussion. These jurisdictions play a unique role in shaping how immigration laws are enforced at the local level, influencing both policy and the lives of thousands of immigrants across the United States.
What Are Sanctuary Jurisdictions?
A Sanctuary Jurisdiction refers to a city, county, or state that has adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
These policies often prevent local law enforcement from:
- Asking about an individual’s immigration status during routine encounters.
- Honoring federal detainer requests without a judicial warrant.
- Sharing personal data with federal immigration authorities without specific legal requirements.
While not defined by federal law, “sanctuary” jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to foster trust and focus on community policing (“What Is a Sanctuary City?”).
As of 2022, over 180 cities and counties in the U.S. have implemented sanctuary policies, aiming to limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement and foster trust within immigrant communities (Vitiello).
Key Characteristics of Sanctuary Jurisdictions
Not all sanctuary jurisdictions are the same. Policies can vary widely depending on the local government’s stance and priorities. However, many share similar characteristics:
- Non-cooperation with ICE Detainers: Local law enforcement may decline to hold individuals beyond their release date based solely on an immigration detainer.
- Restrictions on Immigration Status Inquiries: Officers may be prohibited from asking about a person’s immigration status during traffic stops or other routine encounters.
- Limits on Data Sharing: Certain jurisdictions restrict the sharing of information about residents with federal immigration agencies unless required by law.
- Local Priorities: Sanctuary policies often emphasize community policing and building trust with immigrant communities rather than focusing on immigration enforcement.
Why Sanctuary Jurisdictions Exist
Sanctuary jurisdictions are motivated by a variety of social, political, and practical considerations:
- Community Trust: Advocates argue that when immigrants trust local law enforcement, they are more likely to report crimes and cooperate in investigations without fear of deportation.
- Resource Allocation: Local governments often prefer to prioritize resources toward public safety rather than federal immigration enforcement.
- Legal and Constitutional Concerns: Some jurisdictions believe that detaining individuals based solely on ICE requests without a judicial warrant could violate constitutional rights.
- Public Safety: By fostering trust and cooperation, sanctuary policies aim to create safer communities overall.
Counties with sanctuary policies tend to have lower crime rates than non-sanctuary counties, suggesting these policies may enhance community safety (Kortsha; Wong).
Federal and State Responses to Sanctuary Jurisdictions
Sanctuary policies have ignited substantial debate at both federal and state levels. The Trump administration attempted to penalize sanctuary jurisdictions by threatening to withhold federal funding through Executive Order 13768. However, courts have ruled that such actions violate constitutional principles, including the Tenth Amendment’s protection of state and local autonomy (Wikipedia contributors, “Executive Order 13768”).
Some states like California and Illinois have passed laws expanding sanctuary protections statewide (California Legislative Information; Illinois Attorney General), while others like Texas and Florida have enacted laws restricting sanctuary policies (Office of the Texas Governor; The Florida Senate).
Common Misconceptions About Sanctuary Jurisdictions
There are many myths and misunderstandings about what sanctuary jurisdictions do and do not do. Let’s clear up a few:
- Sanctuary jurisdictions do not prevent federal immigration enforcement. Federal authorities can still operate within sanctuary areas.
- Sanctuary policies do not offer legal immigration status. They simply limit local cooperation with federal enforcement.
- Sanctuary policies do not protect individuals charged with serious crimes. Many jurisdictions still fully cooperate with federal authorities in serious criminal matters.
Pros and Cons of Sanctuary Jurisdictions
Pros:
- Encourages immigrant cooperation with local law enforcement.
- Helps maintain public safety by focusing on serious crimes.
- Protects individuals from potential constitutional violations.
- Reduces fear in immigrant communities.
Cons:
- Critics argue it may hinder federal immigration efforts.
- Can create tensions between local and federal authorities.
- Opponents suggest it sends mixed messages about immigration law enforcement.
List of Major Sanctuary Jurisdictions in the U.S.
While this is not an exhaustive list, some of the more well-known sanctuary jurisdictions include:
- San Francisco, California
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Seattle, Washington
- Los Angeles, California
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Each of these cities has implemented policies tailored to their local governance and community needs.
Final Thoughts
Sanctuary jurisdictions represent a local response to federal immigration policy, aiming to balance community trust, public safety, and constitutional protections. Whether through limiting cooperation with federal agencies or promoting inclusivity, these jurisdictions have reshaped the immigration landscape in meaningful ways.
As the debate over immigration continues, understanding the role of sanctuary jurisdictions becomes even more important for individuals, families, and policymakers.
Need Help Navigating Immigration Policies?
At KGW Law Firm, we provide guidance to individuals and families navigating complex immigration matters. If you have questions about your rights or need support with immigration issues, our team is ready to assist you. Located in Richardson, Texas, KGW Law Firm is committed to supporting your immigration journey. Contact us today to learn more.
Work Cited
“What Is a Sanctuary City?” Vera Institute of Justice, 5 May 2025, www.vera.org/news/what-is-a-sanctuary-city.
Vitiello, Domenic. “As Red States Send Migrants to Blue States, Sanctuary Cities Are Crucial.” The Washington Post, 15 Sept. 2022, www.washingtonpost.com/made-by-history/2022/09/15/red-states-send-migrants-blue-states-sanctuary-cities-are-crucial.
Kortsha, Monica. “Sanctuary Practices Lower Counties’ Crime Rates.” UT Austin News – the University of Texas at Austin, 25 Aug. 2022, news.utexas.edu/2022/06/13/sanctuary-practices-lower-counties-crime-rates.
Wong, Tom K. “The Effects of Sanctuary Policies on Crime and the Economy.” Center for American Progress, 26 Jan. 2017, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-effects-of-sanctuary-policies-on-crime-and-the-economy/.
Wikipedia contributors. “Executive Order 13768.” Wikipedia, 8 Apr. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_13768.
“SB-54 Law enforcement: sharing data.” California Legislative Information, 5 Oct. 2017, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB54.
“Immigration Rights.” Illinois Attorney General, https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights-of-the-people/civil-rights/immigration/.
“Texas Bans Sanctuary Cities.” Office of the Texas Governor, 7 May 2017, https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/Texas-Bans-Sanctuary-Cities.
“Senate Bill 168 (2019).” The Florida Senate, https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/168.