North Dakota Sanctuary City Status and Immigrant Protections in 2025

Key Takeaways

• North Dakota prohibits sanctuary city policies under House Bill 1303 with penalties for non-compliance.
• House Bill 1585 mandates law enforcement to report suspected undocumented immigrants to ICE.
• No state protections exist for undocumented immigrants; enforcement and federal cooperation are prioritized.

North Dakota’s Approach to Sanctuary City Policies and Undocumented Immigrants: An In-Depth Analysis (2025)

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the current status of sanctuary city policies in North Dakota, focusing on legislative actions, enforcement trends, and the practical impact on undocumented immigrants as of July 2025. The report explores the intent and implications of North Dakota House Bill 1303, the broader legal environment, and the lived realities for undocumented immigrants in the state. The aim is to provide a clear, factual overview for policymakers, advocates, and community members seeking to understand North Dakota’s position on sanctuary city issues and protections for undocumented immigrants.

Methodology

This report draws on official legislative documents, statements from key stakeholders, and recent public records. It reviews the text and legislative history of North Dakota House Bill 1303 and House Bill 1585, analyzes statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and considers the responses of local law enforcement organizations. The analysis also references authoritative government sources, including the North Dakota Legislative Assembly and the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure accuracy and currency.

Key Findings

• North Dakota does not have any sanctuary cities or sanctuary state policies as of July 2025.
• North Dakota House Bill 1303 is designed to prohibit sanctuary city policies and establish penalties for non-compliance.
• North Dakota House Bill 1585 requires law enforcement officers to report suspected undocumented immigrants to federal authorities.
• No specific state-level protections exist for undocumented immigrants; the legislative focus is on strict enforcement and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
• Recent DHS accusations of non-compliance by certain counties have been strongly denied by local law enforcement.
• The policy environment is likely to remain focused on enforcement, with little indication of movement toward sanctuary policies or increased protections for undocumented immigrants.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the current landscape, the following sections present the legislative framework, enforcement trends, and stakeholder positions in a clear, organized manner. Key data points are highlighted in bold for easy reference.

Legislative Framework: North Dakota House Bill 1303 and Related Measures

North Dakota House Bill 1303: Purpose and Provisions

North Dakota House Bill 1303 is central to the state’s approach to sanctuary city policies. The bill’s main objectives are:

• Prohibiting sanctuary city policies: Local governments are not allowed to adopt policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
• Creating a sanctuary compliance fund: This fund supports enforcement efforts and ensures local governments follow state and federal immigration laws.
• Imposing penalties for non-compliance: Localities that do not comply with the law may face financial penalties or loss of state funding.
• Providing a continuing appropriation: The bill ensures ongoing funding for enforcement activities.

The bill is currently under review in the 69th Legislative Assembly, with updates expected as lawmakers refine its language and enforcement mechanisms.

North Dakota House Bill 1585: Reporting Requirements

House Bill 1585 complements HB1303 by focusing on law enforcement practices:

• Mandatory reporting: Peace officers must contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they reasonably believe someone is an undocumented immigrant.
• Increased cooperation: The bill aims to strengthen ties between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
• No discretion: Officers do not have the option to withhold information from ICE if they suspect someone is undocumented.

Together, these bills create a legal environment that discourages sanctuary city policies and prioritizes strict enforcement of immigration laws.

Enforcement Trends and Stakeholder Positions

DHS Accusations and Local Law Enforcement Response

In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security listed seven North Dakota counties—Billings, Golden Valley, Grant, Morton, Ramsey, Sioux, and Slope—as allegedly defying federal immigration laws. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been outspoken about exposing jurisdictions that do not comply with federal requirements.

However, the North Dakota Sheriff’s and Deputies Association has strongly denied these accusations. They assert:

• Full cooperation with ICE: Local law enforcement maintains regular communication and collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
• No evidence of non-compliance: The association reports that DHS has not contacted them regarding any violations.
• Commitment to law enforcement: Sheriffs emphasize their dedication to upholding both state and federal laws.

This dispute highlights the tension between federal oversight and local autonomy, but the prevailing trend in North Dakota is clear: enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities are top priorities.

Legislative Intent and Political Climate

The North Dakota Legislature has made it clear that it does not support sanctuary city policies. Lawmakers have introduced and advanced bills like HB1303 and HB1585 to ensure that state and local governments align with federal immigration enforcement.

• Bipartisan support: While there is some debate over the details, there is broad agreement among legislators that sanctuary city policies are not appropriate for North Dakota.
• Public statements: Elected officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, have publicly committed to exposing and penalizing any jurisdiction that fails to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Protections and Policies for Undocumented Immigrants

Absence of State-Level Protections

Unlike some states that have adopted sanctuary policies or provided specific protections for undocumented immigrants, North Dakota has taken the opposite approach:

• No sanctuary cities or counties: As of July 2025, there are no localities in North Dakota that have adopted sanctuary policies.
• No driver’s licenses or state benefits: Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for state-issued driver’s licenses or most public benefits.
• No in-state tuition or legal protections: The state does not offer in-state tuition rates or legal protections for undocumented students or workers.

Impact on Undocumented Immigrants

The focus on enforcement has several practical effects:

• Increased fear of law enforcement: Undocumented immigrants may be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, fearing deportation.
• Limited access to services: Without state-level protections, undocumented immigrants face barriers to healthcare, education, and employment.
• Community trust issues: Strict enforcement policies can undermine trust between immigrant communities and local authorities.

Comparison with Other States

To put North Dakota’s approach in context, it is helpful to compare it with states that have adopted sanctuary policies:

Visual Description:
The table above shows that North Dakota, like Texas, does not have sanctuary policies and focuses on enforcement, while states like California and New York have adopted sanctuary policies and provide more protections for undocumented immigrants.

Trends, Patterns, and Evidence-Based Conclusions

Trends and Patterns

• Legislative momentum: North Dakota’s legislature continues to introduce and advance bills aimed at preventing sanctuary city policies and increasing cooperation with federal authorities.
• Enforcement over protection: The state’s policies consistently prioritize enforcement rather than offering protections or benefits to undocumented immigrants.
• Federal-state cooperation: Despite occasional disputes, local law enforcement agencies emphasize their willingness to work with federal immigration authorities.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Based on the legislative record, stakeholder statements, and recent developments:

• North Dakota is unlikely to adopt sanctuary city policies in the near future. The political climate and legislative agenda are firmly opposed to such measures.
• Undocumented immigrants in North Dakota face a challenging environment, with few, if any, state-level protections and a strong focus on enforcement.
• Local law enforcement agencies are committed to cooperating with federal authorities, despite occasional accusations of non-compliance from DHS.
• The practical impact on immigrant communities includes increased fear, reduced access to services, and potential reluctance to interact with law enforcement.

Limitations of the Analysis

• Rapidly changing policy environment: Immigration laws and policies can change quickly, especially in response to federal actions or court decisions.
• Limited data on enforcement outcomes: There is little publicly available data on the number of undocumented immigrants affected by these policies in North Dakota.
• Stakeholder perspectives: While official statements provide insight, the lived experiences of undocumented immigrants may differ from the official narrative.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For undocumented immigrants and their advocates in North Dakota:

• Stay informed: Monitor updates from the North Dakota Legislative Assembly for the latest on HB1303, HB1585, and related bills.
• Know your rights: While state protections are limited, federal law provides certain rights to all individuals, regardless of immigration status. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website offers information on federal immigration forms and processes.
• Seek legal advice: If you or someone you know is affected by these policies, consult with a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted community organization.
• Community support: Build connections with local organizations that support immigrants, as they can provide resources and guidance.

Official Resources

• North Dakota Legislative Assembly – For legislative updates and bill texts
• Department of Homeland Security – For federal immigration enforcement information
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – For immigration forms and federal guidance

Summary

North Dakota’s approach to immigration in 2025 is defined by strict enforcement and a clear rejection of sanctuary city policies. North Dakota House Bill 1303 and related measures ensure that local governments cooperate with federal authorities and do not provide protections for undocumented immigrants. While this approach aligns with the state’s legislative and political priorities, it creates significant challenges for undocumented immigrants, including increased fear and limited access to services. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing legislative focus suggests that North Dakota will continue to prioritize enforcement over protection, with little likelihood of adopting sanctuary policies in the near future.

For those affected, staying informed and seeking support from trusted organizations remains essential. The policy landscape may evolve, but for now, North Dakota stands as a state where enforcement, not sanctuary, is the guiding principle.

Learn Today

Sanctuary City → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
House Bill 1303 → North Dakota legislation prohibiting sanctuary city policies and enforcing penalties for violations.
House Bill 1585 → Law requiring officers to report suspected undocumented immigrants to federal immigration authorities.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Undocumented Immigrants → Individuals residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status or proper documentation.

This Article in a Nutshell

North Dakota strictly enforces immigration laws, banning sanctuary policies and requiring local officers to report undocumented immigrants to ICE. The state offers no protections, focusing on compliance with federal authorities, creating challenges for undocumented immigrants fearing law enforcement and limited access to public services amid ongoing legislative efforts.
— By VisaVerge.com