Nebraska Sanctuary City Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Nebraska is not a sanctuary state and has no local sanctuary jurisdictions as of 2025.
• Executive Order 25-01 mandates full cooperation between Nebraska agencies and federal immigration enforcement.
• Law enforcement must notify ICE and hold suspected undocumented immigrants for federal custody.

Nebraska’s Approach to Sanctuary Policies and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025: An Analytical Review

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines Nebraska’s position on sanctuary policies and the specific protections or lack thereof for undocumented immigrants as of July 2025. The review covers the state’s legal framework, recent executive actions, law enforcement practices, and the perspectives of key stakeholders. It also compares Nebraska’s approach to broader national trends, identifies patterns in policy development, and discusses the practical effects for undocumented immigrants living in Nebraska. The aim is to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how Nebraska’s policies affect undocumented immigrants and what this means for the state’s communities.

Methodology

The analysis draws on official state and federal government statements, executive orders, advocacy group responses, and public records. Key sources include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Nebraska Governor’s Office, Nebraska Appleseed (an advocacy group), and recent legislative developments. The review also references the mistaken inclusion of several Nebraska counties on a federal sanctuary jurisdiction list and the subsequent clarification by state and local officials. Data is presented in summary tables and bullet points for clarity, with official government links provided for further reference.

Key Findings

• Nebraska is not a sanctuary state and has no cities or counties with official sanctuary policies.
• Executive Order No. 25-01, signed by Governor Jim Pillen in January 2025, mandates full cooperation between Nebraska agencies and federal immigration enforcement.
• Law enforcement agencies in Nebraska are required to notify and cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding undocumented immigrants in custody.
• Advocacy groups criticize these policies, arguing they harm immigrant communities and increase fear and instability.
• Nebraska’s approach aligns with federal priorities under President Trump’s administration, and no policy changes toward sanctuary protections are expected in the near future.

Data Presentation and Visual Summary

The following table summarizes Nebraska’s sanctuary status and immigration policy as of 2025:

Sanctuary Status in Nebraska: Detailed Overview

No Sanctuary Jurisdictions

As of July 2025, Nebraska is not a sanctuary state. There are no cities or counties within Nebraska that have adopted sanctuary policies—these are local laws or practices that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, especially ICE. In May 2025, the DHS mistakenly listed ten rural Nebraska counties (Arthur, Blaine, Grant, Greeley, Hooker, Howard, Logan, Loup, McPherson, and Thomas) as sanctuary jurisdictions. This error was quickly corrected after state and local officials clarified that these counties do not have their own jails and instead contract with other counties for detention services. Both the Sandhills Area Sheriff’s Association and the ICE office in North Platte confirmed that these counties fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

This incident highlights the importance of accurate data in federal reporting and the close scrutiny Nebraska faces regarding its immigration policies. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Nebraska’s quick response to the mistaken listing further demonstrates its commitment to federal immigration enforcement.

Governor’s Executive Order and State Policy

On January 24, 2025, Governor Jim Pillen signed Executive Order No. 25-01, titled Support for Federal Immigration Policy Implementation. This order requires all Nebraska state agencies to:

• Review and revise their policies to fully support federal immigration laws.
• Cooperate with federal agencies, including DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ), in all immigration enforcement activities.
• Ensure the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) notify ICE about any arrested individuals suspected of violating federal immigration laws.
• Alert ICE before releasing detainees suspected of immigration violations and, when possible, hold them for ICE custody.
• Encourage state and local jails and law enforcement agencies to enter into formal agreements with DHS to assist in immigration enforcement.

The deadline for compliance with this executive order was May 31, 2025. Reports indicate that Nebraska agencies have met these requirements, and the state’s law enforcement practices now reflect a high level of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Practical Effects for Undocumented Immigrants

Nebraska’s policies mean that undocumented immigrants face a higher risk of detention and deportation than in sanctuary jurisdictions. Key practical effects include:

• Increased Information Sharing: State and local law enforcement agencies are required to share information about detainees with ICE, making it easier for federal authorities to identify and detain undocumented immigrants.
• Mandatory Detention Holds: Law enforcement agencies must hold individuals suspected of immigration violations for ICE custody, increasing the likelihood of deportation.
• Broad Agency Involvement: The executive order applies to a wide range of state agencies, including those involved in law enforcement, corrections, education, and health services, ensuring a coordinated approach to federal immigration enforcement.

These policies create a challenging environment for undocumented immigrants in Nebraska, as there are no local protections or sanctuary policies to shield them from federal enforcement actions.

Stakeholder Perspectives

State Officials

Governor Pillen and other state officials argue that strict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement is necessary to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law. They maintain that aligning state policies with federal directives is essential for effective immigration control and community security.

Advocacy Groups

Organizations such as Nebraska Appleseed have voiced strong opposition to the executive order and related policies. They argue that these measures harm immigrant families, increase fear and instability in communities, and contradict Nebraska’s values of dignity, fairness, and respect. Advocacy groups also warn that increased cooperation with ICE can discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or seeking help from authorities, which can undermine public safety.

Federal Government

The DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, has praised Nebraska’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and condemned sanctuary jurisdictions elsewhere in the United States 🇺🇸. This support from federal officials reinforces the state’s alignment with national immigration priorities.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Nebraska vs. Sanctuary States

Unlike states such as California 🇺🇸 or New York 🇺🇸, which have adopted sanctuary policies to limit cooperation with ICE, Nebraska has taken the opposite approach. The state’s executive order and law enforcement practices require active support for federal immigration enforcement, making Nebraska one of the states most closely aligned with federal immigration priorities in 2025.

National Trends

The Trump administration’s renewed focus on strict immigration enforcement has led to increased pressure on states and localities to cooperate with federal authorities. Legislation such as the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act (H.R. 32, 119th Congress) seeks to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions, further encouraging states like Nebraska to maintain their current policies.

Patterns in Policy Development

Nebraska’s approach reflects a broader trend among states that prioritize federal cooperation over local protections for undocumented immigrants. The mistaken inclusion of Nebraska counties on the DHS sanctuary list in May 2025 highlights ongoing federal scrutiny and the importance of clear communication between state and federal agencies.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Nebraska is not a sanctuary state and has no local sanctuary jurisdictions.
• State policies, including Executive Order No. 25-01, require full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Law enforcement agencies must notify and cooperate with ICE regarding undocumented immigrants in custody.
• Advocacy groups argue that these policies harm immigrant communities and increase fear and instability.
• Nebraska’s approach aligns with federal priorities, and no policy changes toward sanctuary protections are expected in the near future.

Limitations of the Analysis

This analysis is based on official statements, executive orders, and public records available as of July 2025. Changes in federal or state leadership, court decisions, or new legislation could alter Nebraska’s approach to sanctuary policies and protections for undocumented immigrants in the future. Additionally, the analysis does not include individual case studies or data on the number of undocumented immigrants affected by these policies, as such information is not publicly available.

Official Resources and Contacts

For readers seeking more information or wishing to contact relevant authorities, the following resources are available:

• Governor Jim Pillen’s Office: governor.nebraska.gov
• Nebraska Appleseed (Advocacy Group): neappleseed.org
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: dhs.gov

For official immigration forms, including those related to detention or removal proceedings, readers can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms page.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• For Undocumented Immigrants in Nebraska: Be aware that Nebraska does not provide sanctuary protections. Any contact with law enforcement or state agencies may result in information being shared with ICE. It is important to know your rights and seek legal advice if you are concerned about your immigration status.
• For Advocates and Community Organizations: Continue to monitor state and federal policy developments and provide accurate information to immigrant communities. Advocacy efforts may focus on supporting affected families and promoting policies that protect community safety and trust.
• For Employers and Service Providers: Understand that Nebraska’s policies require cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Ensure that your practices comply with state and federal laws, and provide support to employees or clients who may be affected by these policies.

Conclusion

Nebraska’s stance in 2025 is clear: the state is not a sanctuary state and has no local sanctuary jurisdictions. Instead, Nebraska’s executive order and law enforcement practices require full cooperation with federal immigration authorities, reflecting a strict approach to immigration enforcement. While state officials argue that these policies protect public safety, advocacy groups warn of negative impacts on immigrant communities. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Nebraska’s alignment with federal priorities is expected to continue, with no significant policy changes anticipated in the near future. For the most current information on immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, readers are encouraged to consult official government resources such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

By understanding Nebraska’s policies and their practical effects, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions and take appropriate action to support immigrant communities in the state.

Learn Today

Sanctuary State → A state limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Executive Order → A directive from a government official that manages operations within the executive branch.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws.
Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) → State law enforcement agency cooperating with federal immigration authorities in detentions.
Detention Hold → A legal practice where authorities retain individuals suspected of immigration violations until federal custody.

This Article in a Nutshell

Nebraska firmly rejects sanctuary policies in 2025, enforcing full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Executive Order 25-01 requires state agencies to assist ICE, increasing detention risks for undocumented immigrants. Advocacy groups warn these policies raise fear and harm communities, while officials stress public safety priorities and legal compliance nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com