Georgia Sanctuary City Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Georgia is not a sanctuary state but cities like Atlanta face federal funding risks under SB 21.
• Senate Bill 21 passed State Senate in 2025, requiring local law enforcement to honor ICE detainers.
• Laws like HB 1105 increase detainee reporting; immigrant advocates warn of growing fear and distrust.

Georgia’s approach to immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies has become a focal point of debate and legislative action in 2025. This analysis examines the current status of sanctuary city and state policies in Georgia, the scope and intent of recent laws such as Senate Bill 21 (SB 21), and the practical effects on undocumented immigrants, local governments, and communities. The goal is to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of the legal landscape, highlight key trends, and outline the implications for all stakeholders.

Purpose and Scope

This content aims to:
– Clarify Georgia’s current position on sanctuary city and state policies
– Analyze the impact of recent and pending legislation, especially Senate Bill 21
– Present data and statements from government officials, advocates, and affected communities
– Compare Georgia’s approach to broader national trends
– Offer practical guidance for those affected by these policies

Methodology

This analysis draws on:
– Official legislative records and government statements
– Data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
– Reports from advocacy groups and news outlets
– Direct references to laws, such as SB 21 and House Bill 1105 (HB 1105)
– Publicly available resources, including the Georgia General Assembly website

Information is organized by topic, with key findings summarized at the outset. Data is presented using bullet points and tables where appropriate, and all technical terms are explained in simple language.

Key Findings

• Georgia is not a sanctuary state, but several cities and counties, including Atlanta and Athens-Clarke, have been labeled “sanctuary jurisdictions” by DHS due to their limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Senate Bill 21 (SB 21), passed by the Georgia Senate in February 2025, would make it easier to sue local governments that adopt sanctuary city policies and require law enforcement to honor federal immigration detainer requests. The bill is awaiting a House vote.
• Recent laws and executive actions have increased immigration enforcement in Georgia, with a focus on detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants, especially those accused of crimes.
• Community advocates warn that these policies may erode trust between immigrants and law enforcement, leading to fear and reduced use of public services.
• Legal challenges are ongoing, with immigrant rights groups arguing that some state policies conflict with constitutional protections.

Sanctuary City and State Status in Georgia

Definition and Context

A “sanctuary city” is a local government that limits its cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This can mean not holding people in jail for extra time at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or not sharing certain information about residents’ immigration status.

Georgia’s Official Position

• Georgia does not recognize itself as a sanctuary state.
• However, the Department of Homeland Security has identified several Georgia cities and counties as “sanctuary jurisdictions.” These include:
  • Athens
  • Atlanta
  • Athens-Clarke County
  • DeKalb County
  • Douglas County
  • Fulton County

These areas have policies that, in some way, limit how much local law enforcement helps federal immigration officers.

Recent Developments: Senate Bill 21

Senate Bill 21 (SB 21) is a key piece of legislation in 2025. Its main points are:

• Waives sovereign immunity for local governments that adopt sanctuary policies. This means people could sue cities or counties if they believe those governments are not following state law on immigration cooperation.
• Requires local law enforcement to honor detainer requests from the Department of Homeland Security. A detainer request is when ICE asks a local jail to hold someone for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released, so ICE can take custody.
• Status: SB 21 passed the Georgia Senate in February 2025 and is now waiting for a vote in the House. If it becomes law, it would make it much riskier for local governments to adopt sanctuary city policies.

Federal Listing and Funding Risks

• The Department of Homeland Security’s listing of Georgia jurisdictions as “sanctuary” areas could lead to the suspension or loss of federal funding. This is based on an executive order signed by President Trump, which threatens to withhold federal money from jurisdictions that do not fully cooperate with immigration enforcement.

ICE Partnerships and the 287(g) Program

• Governor Brian Kemp has directed the Georgia Department of Public Safety to partner with ICE through the 287(g) program. This program allows local law enforcement officers to act as immigration agents under ICE supervision.
• The goal is to identify and detain undocumented immigrants who may pose a risk to public safety.

Protections and Policies for Undocumented Immigrants in Georgia

Current State Laws and Policies

1. House Bill 1105 (HB 1105)
   • Passed in 2024, this law requires local law enforcement to report undocumented detainees to federal officials.
   • Critics say this could lead to more police stops and detentions of immigrants, even for minor offenses.
2. Laken Riley Act
   • This law requires the detention of undocumented individuals charged with certain crimes.
   • It aligns Georgia with federal efforts to increase removals of undocumented immigrants.
3. E-Verify Proposals
   • E-Verify is a federal system that checks if workers are legally allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸.
   • Georgia lawmakers are considering expanding E-Verify requirements for both public and private employers. This could make it harder for undocumented immigrants to find work.

Practical Implications

• Increased Enforcement: The combination of state and federal policies has led to more arrests and deportations, especially for those with criminal records or suspected gang ties.
• Community Impact: Many advocates worry that these laws make immigrants afraid to call the police, report crimes, or use public services like schools and hospitals.
• Legal Challenges: Immigrant rights groups are challenging some of these laws in court, saying they violate constitutional rights and past legal decisions.

Data Presentation and Trends

Table 1: Key Georgia Jurisdictions Identified as Sanctuary Cities (2025)

Visual Description:
The table above lists Georgia jurisdictions identified as sanctuary cities, the types of policies they have, whether they risk losing federal funding, and if they participate in the ICE 287(g) program. All listed jurisdictions limit ICE detainers and face potential funding risks, but none currently participate in the 287(g) program.

Trend Analysis

• Expansion of Enforcement: Over the past two years, Georgia has moved toward stricter enforcement, with more laws requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
• Federal-State Tension: While some local governments try to limit their role in immigration enforcement, state and federal leaders are pushing for more cooperation.
• Legal Pushback: Lawsuits from immigrant rights groups are becoming more common, challenging the legality of state and local policies.

Comparisons and Patterns

Georgia vs. National Trends

• Nationally, the number of sanctuary cities has remained steady, but states like Georgia are passing laws to discourage these policies.
• Georgia’s approach is more aggressive than some other states, with laws like SB 21 and HB 1105 increasing penalties for local governments and requiring more cooperation with ICE.
• Federal funding threats are not unique to Georgia, but the state’s willingness to risk losing money shows a strong commitment to strict immigration enforcement.

Patterns in Enforcement

• Focus on Criminal Records: Both state and federal policies in Georgia prioritize the removal of undocumented immigrants with criminal histories.
• Community Concerns: Immigrant communities report increased fear and reluctance to interact with authorities, which can make neighborhoods less safe overall.
• Employer Impact: Proposed E-Verify expansions could affect many businesses, especially those that rely on immigrant labor.

Key Stakeholders and Statements

• Lt. Governor Burt Jones: Strongly supports SB 21, stating it is necessary to “secure our communities and enforce immigration laws.”
• Governor Brian Kemp: Has directed state agencies to work closely with ICE and supports policies that enable mass deportations.
• Immigrant Advocates: Express concern that these policies will harm families, increase fear, and lead to racial profiling.
• Legal Experts: Warn that some state laws may conflict with federal law or constitutional protections, leading to costly legal battles.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Georgia is not a sanctuary state, but several cities and counties have policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Senate Bill 21 represents a major effort to discourage sanctuary city policies by making local governments legally and financially vulnerable.
• Recent laws like HB 1105 and the Laken Riley Act have increased the risk of detention and deportation for undocumented immigrants.
• Federal funding risks are real, but so far, no Georgia jurisdiction has lost funding due to sanctuary policies.
• Community impacts include increased fear among immigrants, reduced trust in law enforcement, and potential harm to public safety.
• Legal challenges are likely to continue, with courts being asked to decide the limits of state and local authority on immigration.

Limitations

• Data on enforcement outcomes is limited, as many local agencies do not publish detailed statistics on detentions or deportations.
• Legal outcomes are still pending for several key lawsuits challenging state policies.
• Federal policy changes could alter the landscape quickly, especially if executive orders or federal funding rules change.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• For Immigrants: Stay informed about local policies and know your rights. Legal aid organizations can provide advice and representation.
• For Employers: Monitor changes to E-Verify requirements and ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.
• For Local Governments: Review current policies in light of SB 21 and other state laws. Seek legal advice to understand potential risks.
• For Advocates: Continue to monitor legislative developments and support community education efforts.

For the most current information on Georgia’s immigration laws and pending legislation, visit the Georgia General Assembly website.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies in Georgia reflects a broader national struggle over the role of local governments in immigration enforcement. The outcome of pending legislation like Senate Bill 21 will shape the future of immigration policy in Georgia for years to come.

Summary Table: Georgia’s Immigration Policy Landscape (2025)

Visual Description:
This table summarizes the main immigration-related laws and proposals in Georgia, their requirements, impacts, and current status.

Final Thoughts

Georgia’s stance on sanctuary city policies and immigration enforcement is evolving quickly. While the state does not officially call itself a sanctuary state, several cities and counties have adopted policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. New laws like Senate Bill 21 could make it much harder for local governments to maintain these policies without facing lawsuits or funding cuts.

The practical effects of these changes are already being felt in immigrant communities, where fear and uncertainty are on the rise. Employers and local governments must also adapt to new requirements and potential legal risks. As the debate continues, it is important for all stakeholders to stay informed and prepared for further changes in Georgia’s immigration landscape.

Learn Today

Sanctuary City → Local government limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented residents.
Senate Bill 21 (SB 21) → Georgia legislation requiring respect for ICE detainers and allowing lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions.
ICE Detainer → Request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement asking local jails to hold immigrants for extra time.
287(g) Program → Partnership allowing local officers to perform immigration enforcement under ICE supervision.
E-Verify → Federal system verifying workers’ legal authorization to work in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

Georgia’s 2025 legislation, including Senate Bill 21, targets sanctuary city policies, increasing legal risks for local governments and enforcement demands. Immigrant communities face rising fear as these laws tighten cooperation with ICE and threaten funding cuts for jurisdictions limiting federal immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com