Overview

• On May 29, the Department of Homeland Security publicly named more than 500 jurisdictions—including California, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Baltimore—as obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
• DHS compiled the list using factors such as self-identification as sanctuary jurisdictions, restrictions on sharing information with ICE and existing levels of local cooperation.
• Each listed locality will receive a formal notice and could face legal remedies from the Justice Department or suspension of federal grants if it does not align its policies with federal immigration laws.
• Many local leaders have rejected the sanctuary label, arguing that their policies focus on public safety and building trust with immigrant communities rather than shielding criminals.
• Numerous cities and states have already signaled plans to challenge the designations in court, setting the stage for an extended legal battle over funding and enforcement authority.