What Trump’s sanctuary list means for 25 excluded New York counties

(NEW YORK) The Trump administration has published a fresh list of sanctuary jurisdictions, naming New York State, New York City, and Rochester, while leaving out 25 other New York localities once linked to sanctuary policies. The Department of Justice (DOJ) released the list on August 5–6, 2025, under Executive Order 14287, and warned of lawsuits and funding cuts.

The list now includes 35 jurisdictions nationwide, covering 12 states and 18 cities. The DOJ says these places obstruct federal immigration law by limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What changed and why it matters

• The new list follows President Trump’s April 28, 2025 directive, Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities From Criminal Aliens, which orders the DOJ to identify and regularly update sanctuary jurisdictions.
• New York State, New York City, and Rochester remain named. But 25 other New York counties and cities once tied to sanctuary practices are no longer included, suggesting:
  • local policy changes that align more with federal expectations;
  • the DOJ adopting narrower criteria; or
  • a DOJ focus on higher-profile targets.
• The DOJ, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, says it will sue jurisdictions that resist. In July 2025, the DOJ sued New York City and Mayor Eric Adams over local laws that limit cooperation with ICE.

What counts as a sanctuary jurisdiction

The DOJ says a place can be listed if it has rules that:

• Limit cooperation with ICE or restrict sharing information on a person’s immigration status.
• Refuse ICE detainers unless a judge signs a warrant.
• Restrict ICE access to local jails without consent.
• Bar use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement.
• Offer benefits or legal assistance to undocumented immigrants in ways the DOJ argues bypass federal law.

The DOJ says it reviews these policies regularly, notifies jurisdictions, and allows responses or changes before taking further action.

Official actions and legal risks

• The DOJ has promised “all necessary legal remedies,” including lawsuits and requests to suspend federal grants.
• According to the administration, non-compliant jurisdictions could face immediate funding pauses for certain programs.
• The July 2025 lawsuit against New York City highlights the strategy: challenge local laws in court and seek injunctions that force changes.
• Officers in listed areas can face mixed directives: local policies may tell them not to hold someone on an ICE detainer, while federal expectations push the opposite way. Police leaders warn this could harm community trust and expose departments to lawsuits.

Key takeaway: Listed jurisdictions face both legal proceedings and potential funding restrictions, while local policing and community trust may be disrupted.

Perspectives from key players

• Federal officials: Argue sanctuary rules block law enforcement and endanger public safety, framing the issue as one of national security and rule of law. “These policies impede enforcement,” the administration says.
• Local leaders (mainly Democratic mayors and governors): Defend sanctuary policies as public safety tools, arguing people report crimes more often when they don’t fear immigration checks.
• Advocacy groups: Warn that an expanded federal push could scare victims and witnesses, particularly undocumented residents, from contacting police — which could make communities less safe.

Why 25 New York localities were excluded

The absence of 25 New York counties and cities is notable and likely reflects either:

• Local changes that moved policies closer to federal expectations, or
• A DOJ decision to focus on states and large cities first using a more targeted approach.

The DOJ’s public posting notes the list is dynamic and will be updated after reviews, responses, and any policy fixes.

How the list process works

1. The DOJ formally notifies jurisdictions and invites responses.
2. If a place stays on the list, the DOJ may:
   • Sue the jurisdiction,
   • Seek court orders (injunctions), and
   • Push for grant suspensions.
3. The list is updated on a rolling basis, adding or removing jurisdictions after reassessments.

Practical impact for immigrants, families, and employers

• Increased ICE activity: People in listed jurisdictions may see more ICE presence at jails and, in some cases, in the community. Advocates say this can raise fear and reduce crime reporting.
• Families: Should prepare key documents, know local legal aid options, and understand their rights — including the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer before speaking about immigration status.
• Employers receiving federal funds: Should track local announcements. If your city or state is on the list, check whether grant conditions now require certain cooperation with immigration enforcement.

What immigrants and community groups can do

• Stay informed: Read official notices from your city, county, and state — policy updates can change interactions with ICE.
• Learn your rights: Many public defenders and nonprofits provide free workshops on interacting with ICE.
• Keep emergency plans ready: Share contact numbers, childcare details, and medical information with a trusted person in case of detention.
• Manage immigration cases: Attend all hearings, keep copies of filings, and update your address with the court and USCIS if you move.

Why this fight will continue

The sanctuary debate has grown since 2017, but the 2025 steps — especially the formal list and planned lawsuits — mark the most aggressive federal push so far. With congressional Republicans backing oversight and states and cities signaling more court challenges, legal battles are likely to expand.

VisaVerge.com reports the administration sees the list as a central tool to push fast compliance, while local officials brace for funding questions and court deadlines.

Key details at a glance

Where to check the official list

You can review the current list on the U.S. Department of Justice website. The DOJ page explains the standard, cites Executive Order 14287, and shows current entries with updates and notices.

What to watch next

• Additional DOJ lawsuits beyond New York City.
• Local rule changes in listed jurisdictions seeking removal.
• Court rulings on detainers, jail access, and grant conditions.
• Congressional oversight hearings and potential new legislation.

Actionable next steps

• If you live in a listed area: Follow local government updates weekly.
• If you’re undocumented or live with someone who is: Prepare a simple safety plan and connect with reputable legal aid.
• Employers and nonprofits tied to federal grants: Review compliance requirements and consult counsel if local rules conflict with federal expectations.

For the latest official updates on sanctuary jurisdictions and Executive Order 14287, see the DOJ’s posted list and related guidance on the Department of Justice website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these ongoing updates will shape legal risks, funding streams, and daily life for millions in listed communities.