US Homeland Security Removes Sanctuary Cities List After Sheriff Criticism

Key Takeaways

• DHS removed its sanctuary jurisdictions list after only three days due to widespread local and advocacy criticism.
• Executive Order 14287 requires identifying jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration enforcement and threats to cut their funding.
• Over 500 jurisdictions were listed for limiting ICE cooperation, sparking disputes and legal challenges from local officials.

The Department of Homeland Security Removes Sanctuary Jurisdictions List After Widespread Criticism

On June 1, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took down its newly published list of over 500 so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” from its official website. This move came just days after the list first appeared online, following strong criticism and pushback from local officials, law enforcement leaders, and advocacy groups across the United States 🇺🇸. The list’s rapid removal has left many communities, immigrants, and government agencies uncertain about the future of federal immigration enforcement and funding.

This article explains what happened, why it matters, and what it means for cities, counties, states, and immigrant communities across the country. It also looks at the background of sanctuary policies, the legal and political battles involved, and what could happen next.

What Happened: The Sanctuary Jurisdictions List Appears and Disappears

Who: The Department of Homeland Security, under the direction of Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump, published the list. Local officials, including mayors and sheriffs, were affected.

What: DHS published a list of more than 500 cities, counties, and states it labeled as “sanctuary jurisdictions.” These are places the federal government claims do not fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

When: The list was published on May 29, 2025, and removed from the DHS website by June 1, 2025.

Where: The list included jurisdictions in over 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Why: The list was required by Executive Order 14287, signed by President Trump on April 28, 2025. The order directs DHS and the Attorney General to identify and publish jurisdictions that, in their view, obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

How: DHS said it used several criteria to decide which places to include, such as self-identification as a sanctuary, not cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), limiting information sharing, or having legal protections for undocumented immigrants.

Key Details: What Was on the List and Why It Sparked Controversy

The list named more than 500 jurisdictions, including major cities like Anchorage, Cincinnati, Columbus, Madison, Milwaukee, and counties in North Carolina and North Dakota. According to DHS, these places were included for one or more of the following reasons:

• Self-identifying as a sanctuary: Some cities or counties publicly call themselves sanctuary jurisdictions.
• Not complying with ICE requests: This means not holding people in jail for extra time so ICE can pick them up.
• Limiting information sharing: Some places do not share certain information about people’s immigration status with federal authorities.
• Legal protections for undocumented immigrants: Some local laws or policies make it harder for federal agents to detain or deport people.

However, many local officials quickly disputed their inclusion. For example:

• Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said Baltimore is not a sanctuary city and follows federal law.
• Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley asked for Las Vegas to be removed, stating it has never been a sanctuary city.
• Denver Mayor’s Office criticized DHS for unclear criteria and noted that several Colorado counties were removed from the list within 24 hours.
• Oakland County (Michigan) Executive and Sheriff both denied sanctuary status and said they were listed by mistake.

Many officials said they were never formally notified by DHS about being on the list. Instead, they found out through news reports or social media.

Executive Order 14287: What It Requires and Why It Matters

Executive Order 14287 is the legal basis for the list. Signed by President Trump on April 28, 2025, it directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to:

• Identify and publish a list of jurisdictions that, in the government’s view, obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
• Notify each jurisdiction about its inclusion and alleged noncompliance.
• Suspend or terminate federal funding to those jurisdictions unless they change their policies.

The order is part of President Trump’s broader push for stricter immigration enforcement and what he has called the largest domestic deportation operation in U.S. history.

How the Process Was Supposed to Work

DHS outlined a step-by-step process for handling sanctuary jurisdictions:

1. Identification: DHS reviews local policies, public statements, and cooperation with ICE to decide which places to include.
2. Publication: The list is posted on the DHS website and is supposed to be updated regularly.
3. Notification: Each jurisdiction is to receive a formal letter explaining why it was listed and what laws it allegedly violated.
4. Review and Revision: Jurisdictions are expected to review their policies and make changes to comply with federal law, or risk losing federal funding.
5. Ongoing Updates: DHS can revise the list at any time based on new information or policy changes.

In practice, many local officials said they never received any notification before the list was published. Some places were removed from the list within a day, raising questions about the accuracy of the process.

Why the List Was Removed

The list’s removal followed a wave of criticism from local leaders, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. Many said the list was inaccurate, unfair, and created confusion. Some threatened legal action or demanded immediate removal from the list.

DHS responded by taking down the list and stating that it could be changed at any time and would be updated regularly. However, no new timeline for republication has been announced.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Federal, Local, and Community Views

Federal Government

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the list, saying, “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens… Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.” The federal government argues that sanctuary jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and put public safety at risk.

Local Governments

Many local officials strongly disagreed. They said their policies are legal and designed to build trust with immigrant communities, not to break the law. Some pointed out that cooperating too closely with federal immigration enforcement can make immigrants afraid to report crimes or help police, making communities less safe.

Immigrant Advocacy Groups

Groups like the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) warned that targeting sanctuary jurisdictions can erode trust in law enforcement and hurt public safety. They also noted that there is no standard legal definition of a “sanctuary” jurisdiction, and that many local policies are meant to protect residents’ rights and avoid legal problems.

What Are Sanctuary Policies?

Sanctuary policies are local rules or laws that limit how much local police or government agencies help with federal immigration enforcement. These policies can include:

• Not holding people in jail longer than required just for ICE to pick them up.
• Not asking about immigration status during routine police work.
• Not sharing certain information with federal immigration authorities.

Supporters say these policies help build trust between police and immigrant communities, so people feel safe reporting crimes or helping investigations. Critics argue that such policies make it harder to enforce immigration laws and may allow people with criminal records to avoid deportation.

Background: How Sanctuary Policies and Federal Actions Have Changed Over Time

Sanctuary policies have grown over the past decade as cities and counties tried to balance public safety, community trust, and federal immigration enforcement. During President Trump’s first term, similar efforts to punish sanctuary jurisdictions were made, but many were blocked or limited by courts and local resistance.

When President Trump returned to office in January 2025, he renewed efforts to crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions, including signing Executive Order 14287. This marked a sharp shift from previous years, when federal enforcement was less aggressive.

Legal and Political Challenges

The publication and quick removal of the sanctuary jurisdictions list has led to confusion and uncertainty. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the lack of clear criteria and communication has made it hard for local governments and immigrant communities to know where they stand.

Several states and advocacy groups have already filed legal challenges against Executive Order 14287 and similar actions. Courts have blocked or limited some of President Trump’s previous immigration orders, and more legal battles are expected.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association noted that the list’s publication and removal have caused confusion among local governments and immigrant communities. The American Immigration Council pointed out that there is no legal or standard definition of a “sanctuary” jurisdiction, and that these policies are often designed to promote public safety and community trust, not to break the law.

What’s at Stake: Federal Funding and Community Impact

One of the biggest threats facing listed jurisdictions is the possible loss of federal funding. Executive Order 14287 allows federal agencies to suspend or terminate grants and contracts with jurisdictions deemed noncompliant. This could affect funding for:

• Law enforcement
• Public health programs
• Housing and community development
• Education

However, the actual impact may be delayed or changed depending on legal outcomes and further policy review. In the past, courts have blocked similar attempts to cut funding to sanctuary jurisdictions.

For immigrant communities, the threat of being labeled a sanctuary jurisdiction can create fear and confusion. Some people may be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police if they worry about immigration enforcement.

The Future: What Happens Next?

As of June 2025, the Department of Homeland Security has not said when or if the sanctuary jurisdictions list will be republished. The agency maintains that it will update the list regularly, but the removal suggests ongoing review and possible changes to the policy.

Legal battles over Executive Order 14287 and the criteria for designating sanctuary jurisdictions are expected to continue. The threat of federal funding cuts remains, but actual implementation may depend on court decisions and further policy review.

Local officials and advocacy groups are likely to keep challenging the federal government’s approach, arguing that it is unfair, inaccurate, and harmful to public safety.

What Should Jurisdictions and Immigrants Do Now?

For local governments:

• Monitor official DHS updates: Check the Department of Homeland Security website for the latest information.
• Review local policies: Make sure local policies are clear, legal, and well-communicated to residents.
• Prepare for possible legal action: Work with legal counsel to understand the risks and options if listed as a sanctuary jurisdiction.

For immigrant communities:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources like local government websites, legal aid organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Know your rights: Many organizations offer “know your rights” workshops and materials for immigrants.
• Report problems: If you feel targeted or unsafe because of local or federal policies, contact local advocacy groups or legal aid organizations.

Conclusion: Ongoing Uncertainty and the Need for Clear Communication

The quick publication and removal of the sanctuary jurisdictions list by the Department of Homeland Security has created confusion and concern for many cities, counties, and immigrant communities. While the executive order remains in effect, the future of the list and related enforcement measures is unclear.

As legal and political battles continue, it is important for all stakeholders—local governments, law enforcement, immigrant communities, and the federal government—to communicate clearly and work together to ensure public safety and protect everyone’s rights.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s official website. For legal updates and analysis, organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council provide helpful resources.

The debate over sanctuary jurisdictions, federal funding, and immigration enforcement is far from over. As policies and legal decisions evolve, staying informed and engaged will be key for everyone affected by these important issues.

Learn Today

Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency overseeing immigration enforcement, border security, and national safety.
Sanctuary Jurisdictions → Places limiting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
Executive Order 14287 → 2025 order directing DHS to publish sanctuary jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States.
Federal Funding → Government financial support provided to jurisdictions, subject to suspension if laws aren’t complied with.

This Article in a Nutshell

The DHS swiftly withdrew its sanctuary jurisdictions list due to backlash from local officials and advocacy groups. This highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and community trust amid complex legal and political challenges facing over 500 jurisdictions nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com