Nevada Sanctuary City Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Nevada and Las Vegas are not sanctuary jurisdictions despite federal sanctuary designation for Las Vegas in 2025.
• ICE activity increased in Nevada from 215 in Dec 2024 to 274 in Feb 2025, causing immigrant fear.
• Nevada’s AB376 policies guide nonbinding immigration enforcement limits; local police notify ICE for certain crimes.

Nevada’s Sanctuary Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025: An Analytical Overview

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the official sanctuary status of Nevada and the City of Las Vegas in 2025, focusing on the policies, protections, and practical realities for undocumented immigrants. The goal is to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how state and local policies interact with federal immigration enforcement, what this means for undocumented residents, and how recent developments shape the landscape for immigrants and their advocates.

Methodology

The findings presented here are based on official statements from Nevada state and Las Vegas city officials, federal government designations, local law enforcement policies, and reports from immigrant advocacy organizations. The analysis draws on legislative documents, such as Assembly Bill 376 (AB376), and tracks recent trends in immigration enforcement, including data on ICE activity and funding threats. All data and claims are attributed to their original sources, with official government links provided where appropriate.

Key Findings

• Nevada is not a sanctuary state and the City of Las Vegas is not a sanctuary city, despite recent federal designations.
• State and local officials strongly dispute the federal government’s labeling of Las Vegas as a “sanctuary jurisdiction.”
• Nonbinding model immigration policies guide law enforcement but do not provide legal sanctuary protections.
• Local police limit their role in immigration enforcement but cooperate with ICE in cases involving certain criminal charges.
• ICE activity has increased in Nevada in 2025, raising concerns among immigrant communities.
• Undocumented immigrants remain vulnerable to federal enforcement but benefit from community support and advocacy organizations.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the current landscape, the following sections present key data and trends, with clear descriptions of patterns and comparisons over time.

Official Sanctuary Status: Nevada and Las Vegas

Nevada’s Position

• Nevada does not identify as a sanctuary state.
• Governor Joe Lombardo and other state officials have publicly stated that Nevada follows federal immigration laws and cooperates with federal authorities.
• The state’s official position is that it does not obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

City of Las Vegas

• In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed the City of Las Vegas as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” under an executive order by President Trump.
• Local officials, including Mayor Shelley Berkley, have strongly rejected this label, stating that Las Vegas has never been a sanctuary city and complies with federal immigration laws.
• Both the governor and mayor are working to correct what they call an “incorrect categorization” by the federal government.

Federal Implications

• The DHS designation could lead to the withholding of federal funds from Nevada and Las Vegas, which is significant given that nearly 30% of Nevada’s state funding comes from federal sources.
• This threat has prompted urgent responses from state and city leaders, who are seeking to resolve the issue with federal authorities.

Visual Description:
Imagine a map of Nevada with the City of Las Vegas highlighted. Next to the map, a pie chart shows that 30% of Nevada’s budget relies on federal funding. A red warning symbol appears over Las Vegas, representing the risk of losing federal funds due to the sanctuary designation.

Policies and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants

Model Immigration Policies (AB376)

• Since 2021, Nevada has developed model immigration policies as required by Assembly Bill 376 (AB376).
• These policies are nonbinding—they serve as guidance rather than enforceable law.
• The main goals are to:
  • Limit the involvement of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement as much as legally possible.
  • Build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, encouraging crime reporting and cooperation.
  • Require agencies that do not adopt the model policies to notify the state attorney general and provide their own policies on immigration cooperation.

Local Law Enforcement Practices

• The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and Henderson Police Department have policies stating they do not enforce immigration violations or detain people solely for being undocumented.
• However, LVMPD has expanded its policy to notify ICE when individuals are booked for certain crimes, including some misdemeanors like burglary, theft, larceny, and assaulting an officer. This change followed the passage of the Laken Riley Act and reflects a more detailed approach to ICE cooperation.

Legal and Community Support

• Undocumented immigrants in Nevada do not have the right to a court-appointed attorney if they cannot afford one. This makes access to legal help a major challenge.
• Organizations such as the Immigration Advocacy Project at Legal Aid of Southern Nevada and Arriba Las Vegas Worker Center provide legal aid and community support.
• Immigrant advocates report increased ICE activity in 2025, with arrests at workplaces and other locations, causing fear and uncertainty.

Visual Description:
Picture a flowchart showing the process for an undocumented immigrant who is arrested in Las Vegas:
1. Arrested for a crime (not just immigration status)
2. Booked by local police
3. Police notify ICE if the crime matches certain categories
4. Immigrant may face ICE detention and possible deportation
5. If unable to afford a lawyer, must seek help from advocacy groups

Recent Developments and Enforcement Trends

Increased ICE Activity

• ICE custody numbers in Nevada rose from 215 in December 2024 to about 274 in February 2025.
• Reports confirm ICE arrests at work sites in Las Vegas, though ICE does not publicly confirm ongoing operations for security reasons.
• Immigrant advocacy groups warn that this increase in enforcement is causing widespread fear in immigrant communities.

Federal Executive Orders and Funding Threats

• President Trump’s April 2025 executive order required DHS to publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions and threatened to withhold federal funds from those on the list.
• Las Vegas was included, but state and city officials dispute the designation and are working to have it removed.

Political and Public Discourse

• The sanctuary designation has sparked political debate in Nevada.
• Republican officials argue for strict immigration enforcement, while immigrant advocates and some local leaders stress the need for community trust and protection from deportation fears.

Visual Description:
A bar graph shows the monthly number of people in ICE custody in Nevada, with a noticeable jump between December 2024 and February 2025. Next to the graph, a headline reads: “Las Vegas added to federal sanctuary jurisdiction list—local officials dispute.”

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Comparison with Other States

• Unlike states such as California 🇺🇸, which have formal sanctuary laws, Nevada does not provide legal sanctuary protections.
• Nevada’s approach is more cautious, relying on nonbinding guidance rather than enforceable sanctuary laws.

Trends Over Time

• Nevada’s immigrant population remains high, with about 210,000 unauthorized immigrants (7% of the state’s population) based on earlier studies.
• Cooperation with ICE has varied over time. In 2017, Clark County was labeled a “non-cooperative jurisdiction” but kept federal grants after pushback.
• The current climate reflects ongoing tension between enforcement priorities and efforts to build trust with immigrant communities.

Patterns in Enforcement

• Local police generally avoid enforcing immigration laws directly but will cooperate with ICE in cases involving certain crimes.
• ICE activity tends to increase following federal executive orders or policy changes, as seen in early 2025.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Nevada is not a sanctuary state, and the City of Las Vegas is not a sanctuary city, despite federal claims.
• State and local officials are actively working to correct the federal designation to avoid losing critical funding.
• Undocumented immigrants in Nevada remain at risk of federal enforcement actions, especially in light of increased ICE activity.
• Nonbinding model policies help limit local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement but do not provide legal sanctuary.
• Community organizations are essential in providing legal aid and support, given the lack of court-appointed attorneys for immigration cases.
• The balance between federal enforcement and community trust remains a central challenge for Nevada and the City of Las Vegas.

Limitations

• The analysis is based on official statements, public reports, and advocacy group information as of July 2025.
• ICE does not release detailed, real-time data on enforcement operations, so some trends are based on advocacy group reports and confirmed cases.
• The legal landscape can change quickly with new executive orders or court decisions, so readers should consult official sources for the most current information.
• The nonbinding nature of Nevada’s model immigration policies means that actual practices may vary between agencies and over time.

Practical Guidance and Resources

For undocumented immigrants and advocates in Nevada, the following steps are recommended:

• Stay informed: Monitor official statements from the Nevada Governor’s Office and the City of Las Vegas for updates on immigration policy and enforcement.
• Know your rights: Learn about your legal rights during encounters with law enforcement or ICE. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides helpful resources on this topic. ACLU Know Your Rights: Immigration
• Seek legal help: If you are detained or face immigration proceedings, contact organizations like the Immigration Advocacy Project at Legal Aid of Southern Nevada or Arriba Las Vegas Worker Center for assistance.
• Report concerns: If you believe your rights have been violated, report the incident to advocacy groups or the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.

Official Government Link

For the latest official information on Nevada’s immigration policies and the status of model immigration policies, visit the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.

Summary Table: Nevada and Las Vegas Sanctuary Status (2025)

Final Takeaways

• Nevada and the City of Las Vegas are not sanctuary jurisdictions, according to state and local officials, despite federal claims.
• Undocumented immigrants in Nevada face increased risks in 2025 due to heightened ICE activity and the lack of formal sanctuary protections.
• Nonbinding model policies guide law enforcement but do not prevent cooperation with ICE in certain cases.
• Community support and legal aid are critical resources for undocumented immigrants, given the lack of guaranteed legal representation.
• Ongoing political debate and federal-state tensions continue to shape the landscape for immigrants in Nevada.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Nevada highlights the complex balance between federal enforcement, state and local policy, and the daily realities faced by undocumented immigrants. Staying informed, seeking legal support, and connecting with advocacy organizations remain the best strategies for those affected by these policies.

For more information on immigration forms, such as those required for legal proceedings or status adjustments, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Forms page.

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Learn Today

Sanctuary jurisdiction → A location officially avoiding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, protecting undocumented immigrants legally.
Assembly Bill 376 (AB376) → Nevada law creating nonbinding guidance for local agencies on immigration enforcement cooperation with ICE.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws and arresting undocumented immigrants.
Federal funding threat → Risk of losing government financial support due to sanctuary jurisdiction designations or immigration policy disputes.
Nonbinding model policies → Guidelines without legal enforcement power directing law enforcement’s approach to immigration issues in Nevada.

This Article in a Nutshell

Nevada and Las Vegas deny sanctuary status despite federal claims. Increased ICE enforcement raises immigrant concerns. Nevada’s nonbinding AB376 policies limit police cooperation with ICE but don’t provide sanctuary. Community legal aid is vital as undocumented immigrants face growing risks amid political and funding disputes in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com