🔗 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publishes-list-sanctuary-jurisdictions
The Justice Department has released a revised list of 35 jurisdictions it designates as “sanctuary,” claiming these states, cities, and counties maintain policies that hinder federal immigration enforcement. The announcement renews the department’s push to challenge such policies through litigation and coordinated actions with the Department of Homeland Security.
Who’s on the List?
The updated list includes 12 states — such as California, New York, and Oregon — along with major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, and Seattle. Several counties, including Cook County in Illinois and San Diego County in California, are also named.
Why It Matters
The list is part of the administration’s strategy following an executive order earlier this year requiring federal agencies to identify and act against jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration authorities. Federal officials argue that these policies endanger public safety and undermine national immigration laws.
Supporters of sanctuary policies counter that local law enforcement should focus on community policing rather than federal immigration enforcement, and many argue such policies build trust between police and immigrant communities.
What Comes Next
The Justice Department has signaled it will pursue lawsuits against several jurisdictions on the list, with New York City among the early legal targets. Some areas have already rolled back sanctuary-related measures in response to federal pressure, while others vow to defend their policies in court.
This latest move escalates a long-standing clash between the federal government and local jurisdictions over immigration enforcement — a conflict that is likely to intensify as both sides double down on their positions in the months ahead.