Kansas Sanctuary City Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Kansas is not a sanctuary state and cooperates fully with federal immigration enforcement in 2025.
• The 287(g) agreement deputizes KBI agents to enforce federal immigration laws alongside ICE.
• Local sanctuary policies are rare; Ithaca is a unique exception facing federal and state opposition.

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

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the status of sanctuary city and state policies in Kansas in 2025, with a focus on protections and risks for undocumented immigrants. The review covers statewide and local policies, legislative actions, federal-state cooperation, and the practical impact on undocumented immigrants. It also explores historical context, key stakeholders, and future trends, providing a clear, unbiased overview for policymakers, advocates, and affected individuals.

Methodology

This review draws on official statements, legislative records, government agreements, and public announcements from Kansas state agencies, the Kansas Legislature, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local governments. The analysis includes:

• Examination of formal agreements between Kansas and federal immigration authorities
• Review of legislative actions and pending bills
• Analysis of public statements by key officials
• Comparison of Kansas’s approach with national trends
• Presentation of data in tables and bullet points for clarity

Key Findings

• Kansas is not a sanctuary state in 2025. The state government and most local jurisdictions actively cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
• A formal agreement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws.
• Legislative support for enforcement is strong, with resolutions and bills urging full cooperation with federal authorities.
• Local exceptions exist, such as the Ithaca Common Council’s reaffirmation of sanctuary city status, but these are rare and face state and federal opposition.
• Undocumented immigrants in Kansas face higher risks of detention and deportation, with limited local protections.

Data Presentation and Visual Description

To help readers understand the current landscape, the following table summarizes the main policies and actions affecting sanctuary city status and undocumented immigrants in Kansas:

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Kansas vs. National Sanctuary City Trends

• Nationally, some states and cities have adopted sanctuary policies, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation for minor offenses.
• Kansas stands out for its active opposition to sanctuary city policies. The state’s formal agreement with ICE under Section 287(g) makes it one of only two states to deputize state law enforcement for federal immigration enforcement as of 2025.
• Local exceptions like Ithaca are rare and do not reflect broader state policy.

Trends in Legislative and Executive Actions

• Kansas Legislature: Strong support for enforcement is evident in resolutions like SCR 1602 and proposed bills such as SB178. These actions show a trend toward deeper cooperation with federal authorities.
• Executive Branch: The governor is urged to align state policies with federal enforcement priorities, reflecting a unified approach among state leaders.

Federal-State Cooperation

• Section 287(g) Agreement: Kansas’s agreement with ICE allows KBI agents to arrest undocumented immigrants, serve warrants, and issue detainers. This deepens state involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
• DHS Pressure: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, continues to pressure jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration laws. Kansas is not listed as a sanctuary state, indicating full compliance.

Patterns in Local Policy

• Ithaca’s Sanctuary Status: The Ithaca Common Council’s reaffirmation of sanctuary city status in February 2025 is an outlier. Most Kansas jurisdictions do not adopt sanctuary policies, and local exceptions face scrutiny from state and federal authorities.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Kansas’s Policy Environment

• Firm Opposition to Sanctuary Policies: Kansas’s statewide policies and formal agreements with ICE reflect a strong stance against sanctuary city protections. The state’s approach aligns closely with the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.
• Limited Local Protections: With the exception of Ithaca, undocumented immigrants in Kansas have little local protection from federal enforcement. State and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to assist ICE, increasing the risk of detention and deportation.
• Legislative Momentum: Pending legislation like SB178 could further formalize and expand state cooperation with federal immigration authorities if passed.

Impact on Undocumented Immigrants

• Higher Risk of Enforcement: Undocumented immigrants in Kansas face a higher risk of arrest, detention, and deportation, especially if involved in criminal activities.
• Few Sanctuary Options: The lack of widespread sanctuary city policies means undocumented immigrants have limited safe havens within the state.
• Federal Enforcement Measures: The Trump administration’s policies, including fines for failing to leave after removal orders and revocation of Social Security numbers for those with rescinded legal status, add to the risks faced by undocumented immigrants in Kansas.

Limitations of the Analysis

• Pending Legislation: Some legislative actions, such as SB178, are still in committee and may change before becoming law.
• Local Variations: While Ithaca has declared sanctuary status, the practical impact of this policy is limited by state and federal enforcement priorities.
• Evolving Federal Policies: Changes in federal administration or policy could alter the enforcement landscape in Kansas and nationwide.

Background and Historical Context

Kansas has a long history of conservative immigration enforcement. The state has consistently supported federal cooperation and opposed sanctuary city policies. The Trump administration’s second term has intensified these efforts, with Kansas becoming the second state to deputize state law enforcement under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This partnership allows state agents to directly assist ICE in enforcing immigration laws, marking a significant shift in state-federal cooperation.

Key Stakeholders and Officials

The following table highlights the main stakeholders involved in Kansas’s immigration enforcement policies:

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

• Undocumented Immigrants: Face increased risk of detention and deportation, with limited local protections.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Authorized and, in some cases, required to cooperate with ICE, including arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants.
• Local Governments: Limited ability to adopt sanctuary policies due to state and federal pressure.
• Advocacy Groups: Must focus efforts on legal support and policy advocacy, given the challenging enforcement environment.

Future Outlook and Pending Developments

• Legislative Developments: The fate of SB178 will be important in determining whether state cooperation with ICE becomes even more formalized. If passed, the bill would require certain law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with ICE, further limiting the possibility of sanctuary city policies.
• Federal Enforcement Initiatives: The Trump administration’s ongoing enforcement measures, such as fines and Social Security number revocations, are expected to continue impacting undocumented immigrants in Kansas and across the United States 🇺🇸.
• Local Exceptions: While local exceptions like Ithaca may persist, they are likely to face ongoing scrutiny and possible intervention from state and federal authorities.

Official Resources

For readers seeking more information or official updates on Kansas’s immigration policies and sanctuary city status, the following resources are recommended:

• Kansas Legislature Website – for updates on bills like SB178 and SCR1602
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security – for federal enforcement policies and sanctuary jurisdiction lists
• Kansas Attorney General’s Office – for official statements and enforcement policies
• Kansas Bureau of Investigation – for law enforcement cooperation details

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that Kansas’s approach is among the strictest in the nation, with state and local agencies working closely with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws. The rare exception of Ithaca’s sanctuary city status does little to change the overall risk environment for undocumented immigrants in the state.

Actionable Takeaways

• Undocumented immigrants in Kansas should be aware that the state does not offer broad sanctuary protections and actively cooperates with ICE.
• Legal assistance is critical for undocumented immigrants facing detention or deportation, especially given the state’s strict enforcement policies.
• Local advocacy and support networks may be limited, except in rare jurisdictions like Ithaca.
• Employers, families, and community organizations should stay informed about legislative developments, such as SB178, that could further impact enforcement practices.

Conclusion

Kansas’s stance in 2025 is clear: the state is not a sanctuary state and has taken concrete steps to align with federal immigration enforcement. The deputization of KBI agents under Section 287(g), strong legislative support for enforcement, and limited local exceptions mean that undocumented immigrants in Kansas face significant risks. While a few local governments like Ithaca have declared sanctuary city status, these are rare and do not reflect the broader policy environment. As federal and state enforcement efforts continue, undocumented immigrants and their advocates must remain vigilant and informed about ongoing developments.

For further details on federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official website.

Learn Today

Sanctuary City → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
287(g) Agreement → A formal partnership allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws under ICE supervision.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) → State agency deputized to assist ICE in immigration law enforcement under 287(g) agreements.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining undocumented immigrants.
Senate Bill 178 (SB178) → Pending Kansas legislation that would require law enforcement agencies to cooperate formally with ICE.

This Article in a Nutshell

Kansas opposes sanctuary city protections, enforcing strict immigration laws through 287(g) agreements. Only Ithaca offers limited local sanctuary status amid strong state-federal cooperation. Undocumented immigrants face increased risks of detention, with pending legislation possibly expanding enforcement authority in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com