DHS Publishes List of Sanctuary Cities and Counties Obstructing Immigration Enforcement

Key Takeaways

• DHS published a list of 500+ sanctuary jurisdictions on May 29, 2025, per Executive Order 14287.
• Trump administration threatens to withhold Justice Department and Transportation funds from non-compliant localities.
• Jurisdictions must respond, revise policies, and risk removal from the list if they comply with federal law.

On May 29, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a sweeping list of more than 500 cities, counties, and states it now labels as “sanctuary jurisdictions.” This move, which has sparked heated debate across the United States 🇺🇸, comes after President Trump signed Executive Order 14287, titled “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens,” on April 28, 2025. The order directs DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify and publicly name jurisdictions that, in the view of the federal government, are not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

The list’s publication marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between the federal government and local or state governments over immigration policy. The DHS accuses these jurisdictions of “deliberately and shamefully obstructing” federal immigration enforcement, and has formally notified each one of their alleged non-compliance. The Trump administration has also threatened to withhold federal funding, including Justice Department grants and possibly Department of Transportation funds, from those that do not change their policies.

This development has immediate and far-reaching effects for local governments, immigrant communities, law enforcement, and the broader national debate over immigration.

What Are Sanctuary Jurisdictions?

A “sanctuary jurisdiction” is a city, county, or state that has adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, especially U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These policies can include:

• Refusing to honor ICE detainers: Local law enforcement may not hold people in jail beyond their release date at ICE’s request unless there is a court order.
• Restricting information sharing: Some jurisdictions limit the sharing of information about a person’s immigration status with federal authorities.
• Providing legal protections: Local laws may prevent police from asking about immigration status or may offer services to all residents, regardless of status.

The DHS uses several criteria to decide if a place is a sanctuary jurisdiction. These include whether the jurisdiction has publicly declared itself a sanctuary, whether it restricts cooperation with ICE, and whether it has laws or policies that protect undocumented immigrants.

Why Did the DHS Release This List Now?

The release of the list follows President Trump’s Executive Order 14287, which required the DHS to publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions within 30 days. The order is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to pressure local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens. We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi has also issued a Justice Department memo pausing funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, with the possibility of further funding cuts from other federal agencies.

How Does the Process Work for Jurisdictions on the List?

The DHS has outlined a clear process for jurisdictions included on the list:

1. Formal Notification: Each jurisdiction receives a letter from the DHS explaining why it has been labeled a sanctuary jurisdiction and what specific policies are considered non-compliant.
2. Review and Response: Jurisdictions are told to review their policies and respond to the DHS. They can either contest their inclusion or explain how they will change their policies to comply with federal law.
3. Policy Revision: The DHS demands immediate changes, especially regarding cooperation with ICE detainers and information sharing.
4. Ongoing Monitoring: The list will be updated regularly. Jurisdictions can be removed if they show they are now following federal law.

What Are the Immediate Effects?

The most direct effect is the threat of losing federal funding. The Trump administration has said that Justice Department grants and possibly Department of Transportation funds for infrastructure projects could be withheld from jurisdictions that do not comply.

This could have a big impact on local budgets, especially for cities and counties that rely on federal money for law enforcement, public safety, and transportation projects.

Local officials and advocacy groups have pushed back strongly. Many argue that their policies are legal, make communities safer, and that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, not local police. The Public Rights Project and a coalition of local officials have called the list a “fear tactic.”

What Are the Arguments on Both Sides?

Federal Government’s View

The Trump administration and the DHS argue that sanctuary policies:

• Undermine the rule of law
• Endanger public safety by allowing “criminal illegal aliens” to remain in communities
• Make it harder for ICE to remove people who have committed crimes

They say that local governments must cooperate with federal immigration enforcement to keep Americans safe.

Local and State Governments’ View

Many local and state officials see things differently. They argue that:

• Sanctuary policies are legal and protected by the Constitution
• Local police should focus on local crimes, not federal immigration enforcement
• These policies help build trust between police and immigrant communities, making it more likely that victims and witnesses will come forward
• Forcing local police to enforce immigration law can lead to racial profiling and make communities less safe

Some local officials have also pointed to court rulings that limit the federal government’s ability to force local cooperation or withhold funds.

Advocacy Groups’ Perspective

Groups like the Public Rights Project argue that the DHS list is meant to intimidate local governments and that sanctuary policies are constitutionally protected. They say the list is a “fear tactic” that could make immigrants less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police.

What Is the Legal Background?

The fight over sanctuary policies is not new. The sanctuary movement began decades ago, with local governments adopting policies to protect immigrants and focus on local priorities. During President Trump’s first term, Executive Order 13768 (2017) also tried to penalize sanctuary jurisdictions by withholding federal funds.

Courts have issued mixed rulings on whether the federal government can force local governments to cooperate with ICE or withhold funding. Some courts have said that the federal government cannot “commandeer” local officials to enforce federal law, while others have allowed certain funding conditions.

Legal experts expect more lawsuits as jurisdictions challenge their inclusion on the list and the legality of federal funding threats.

What Happens Next?

Several important developments are expected in the coming weeks and months:

• Congressional Hearings: The House Oversight Committee will hold a hearing on June 12, 2025. Democratic governors from Minnesota, Illinois, and New York are scheduled to testify about their states’ cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
• Legal Challenges: Many jurisdictions plan to challenge their inclusion on the list in court, arguing that their policies are legal and that the federal government cannot withhold funds.
• Policy Changes: The list will be updated as jurisdictions change their policies or as new legal rulings come out.
• Further Federal Action: The Trump administration may issue more executive orders or agency actions to increase pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions.

How Does This Affect Immigrants and Communities?

The release of the list and the threat of funding cuts have real effects on immigrants and the communities where they live. Local officials argue that sanctuary policies help build trust between police and immigrants, making it more likely that people will report crimes or cooperate with investigations.

If local police are seen as working closely with ICE, immigrants may be afraid to come forward, even if they are victims or witnesses. This can make communities less safe for everyone.

On the other hand, supporters of the Trump administration’s approach argue that stronger cooperation with ICE is needed to remove people who have committed crimes and to enforce immigration laws.

What Should Jurisdictions Do Now?

Jurisdictions that have been included on the DHS list should:

• Carefully review the formal notification from the DHS
• Consult with legal counsel to understand their rights and options
• Decide whether to contest their inclusion or to change their policies to comply with federal law
• Communicate with their communities about what the designation means and what steps they are taking

Jurisdictions should also be aware that the list is not final. If they change their policies to align with federal law, they can be removed from the list. Conversely, if they maintain their current policies, they risk losing federal funding.

What Does This Mean for Federal Funding?

The Trump administration’s threat to withhold federal funding is a powerful tool. Justice Department grants and Department of Transportation funds are important sources of money for many local governments.

However, the ability of the federal government to actually withhold these funds is not clear-cut. Courts have previously blocked similar efforts, saying that only Congress can decide how federal funds are distributed, and that the federal government cannot force local governments to enforce federal law.

Still, the threat of losing funding puts pressure on local officials to reconsider their policies.

Where Can You Find the Official List and More Information?

The official list of sanctuary jurisdictions is available on the DHS Sanctuary Jurisdictions page. The full text of Executive Order 14287 can be found on the White House website. For questions about compliance or funding, local officials can contact the Department of Homeland Security or the Office of Justice Programs.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the DHS has said that the list will be updated regularly as jurisdictions change their policies or as new information becomes available.

Summary Table: Key Aspects of the May 2025 Sanctuary Jurisdictions List

Practical Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Local Governments: Should review their policies, consult legal experts, and decide how to respond to the DHS notification. They should also prepare for possible funding cuts and legal challenges.
• Immigrants and Community Members: Should stay informed about local policies and know their rights. Community organizations can provide support and information.
• Law Enforcement: Must balance federal demands with local priorities and community trust. Clear communication with the public is important.
• Advocacy Groups: Will likely continue to challenge the federal government’s actions in court and in the public arena.

Looking Ahead

The fight over sanctuary jurisdictions is likely to continue, with more legal battles, policy changes, and political debates. The outcome will shape how immigration laws are enforced in the United States 🇺🇸 and how local communities interact with the federal government.

For the most current and authoritative information, visit the DHS Sanctuary Jurisdictions page and review the text of Executive Order 14287. Local officials, immigrants, and community members should stay alert for updates as the situation develops.

By understanding the facts, knowing your rights, and staying involved, you can help shape the future of immigration policy in your community.

Learn Today

Sanctuary Jurisdiction → A city, county, or state limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, protecting undocumented immigrants.
Executive Order 14287 → A 2025 Trump directive requiring DHS to publish sanctuary jurisdictions and enforce cooperation with immigration laws.
ICE Detainers → Requests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold individuals beyond release for immigration enforcement.
Federal Funding Withhold → The threat to cut government grants and funds from jurisdictions not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
Notificación Formal → Official letters from DHS notifying jurisdictions of their sanctuary designation and compliance demands.

This Article in a Nutshell

On May 29, 2025, the DHS unveiled a list targeting over 500 sanctuary jurisdictions under Trump’s order, pressuring local governments to cooperate with ICE or face funding cuts amid ongoing legal battles.
— By VisaVerge.com