Key Takeaways
• South Dakota banned sanctuary cities statewide effective July 1, 2025, via SB 7 legislation.
• Local governments and law enforcement must fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
• Undocumented immigrants face increased risk of detention; no state benefits or protections are provided.
South Dakota has taken a major step in its approach to immigration policy by passing a law that bans sanctuary cities across the state. This update provides a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the broader implications for immigrants, law enforcement, and the community. The information below will help you understand what the new law means for undocumented immigrants, local authorities, and anyone with pending immigration concerns in South Dakota.
What Has Changed: Statewide Ban on Sanctuary Cities
As of July 1, 2025, South Dakota has a statewide ban on sanctuary cities. This means that no city, county, or local government in South Dakota can create or keep any policy that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The law, known as SB 7, was passed by the South Dakota Legislature and signed by Governor Larry Rhoden. It is now the official policy for the entire state.
Key Points of the New Law (SB 7):
- No city, county, or local government in South Dakota can adopt sanctuary city policies.
- Local law enforcement must fully cooperate with federal immigration agencies.
- No local government can grant legal citizenship status to undocumented immigrants.
- Local governments cannot block or limit federal immigration enforcement activities.
This law makes it clear that South Dakota will not allow any local protections for undocumented immigrants that go beyond what federal law requires.
Who Is Affected by the Sanctuary City Ban?
The new law affects several groups:
- Undocumented immigrants living in South Dakota: They now face a higher risk of being reported to federal immigration authorities if they come into contact with local law enforcement.
- Local law enforcement agencies: Police and sheriffs must now work closely with federal immigration officials and cannot refuse to honor requests for information or detainers.
- City and county governments: Local leaders cannot pass any laws or policies that would protect undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement.
- Community organizations and advocacy groups: Groups that support immigrants may need to adjust their strategies and focus on legal support or advocacy at the state and federal levels.
Effective Dates and Legislative Process
- SB 7 was passed by the South Dakota House on February 4, 2025, with a strong majority (62-6).
- Governor Larry Rhoden signed the bill into law shortly after, making it the first bill he signed in his current term.
- The law took effect on July 1, 2025.
This means that as of July 1, 2025, all local governments and law enforcement agencies in South Dakota must follow the new rules.
Required Actions for Local Governments and Law Enforcement
With the law now in effect, local governments and law enforcement agencies must:
- End any existing policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- Respond to requests from federal immigration agencies, including sharing information about individuals’ immigration status.
- Honor detainer requests from federal immigration officials, which means holding individuals in custody if asked by federal authorities.
- Avoid passing any new laws or policies that could be seen as providing sanctuary or extra protections to undocumented immigrants.
Failure to follow these requirements could result in legal action or loss of state funding for local governments.
Implications for Undocumented Immigrants in South Dakota
The new law has several important effects on undocumented immigrants living in South Dakota:
- No Local Sanctuary Protections: There are no cities or counties in South Dakota where undocumented immigrants can expect local authorities to refuse cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Increased Risk of Detention and Deportation: Any contact with local law enforcement—such as being stopped for a traffic violation or reporting a crime—could lead to information being shared with federal immigration authorities.
- No State-Level Benefits or Protections: South Dakota does not offer state-level benefits or protections to undocumented immigrants, such as driver’s licenses, legal status, or access to state-funded services beyond what federal law requires.
- Possible Fear and Distrust: Many undocumented immigrants may feel less safe reporting crimes, seeking help, or accessing public services due to fear of being reported to immigration authorities.
What Is a Sanctuary City?
A “sanctuary city” is a city or local government that has policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These policies might include:
- Not asking about a person’s immigration status during routine police work.
- Refusing to hold people in jail for extra time at the request of federal immigration authorities unless there is a warrant.
- Not sharing information about a person’s immigration status with federal agencies unless required by law.
Sanctuary policies are designed to help build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, so people feel safe reporting crimes or seeking help. However, South Dakota’s new law now bans any such policies statewide.
Political and Community Perspectives
The debate over SB 7 and sanctuary cities in South Dakota has included strong opinions on both sides.
Supporters of the Ban:
- Rep. Mary Fitzgerald, the main sponsor of SB 7, and other supporters argue that the law is needed to keep South Dakotans safe.
- They believe that cooperating with federal immigration authorities helps prevent criminals who entered the country illegally from avoiding justice.
- Supporters say the law aligns South Dakota with federal immigration enforcement and makes the state safer for everyone.
Opponents of the Ban:
- Rep. Kadyn Wittman and other opponents worry that the ban will harm immigrant communities.
- They argue that the law could make immigrants less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, which could actually make communities less safe.
- Some local law enforcement officials have expressed concern that the law could damage trust between police and immigrant communities, making it harder to solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.
No Sanctuary Protections or State Policies for Undocumented Immigrants
As of July 2025, there are no sanctuary protections or special state policies for undocumented immigrants in South Dakota. The new law makes it clear that:
- No local government can provide extra protections or benefits to undocumented immigrants.
- Undocumented immigrants do not have access to state-funded services beyond what federal law requires.
- There are no state programs for legal status, driver’s licenses, or other benefits for undocumented immigrants.
South Dakota’s immigrant population is relatively small, but it includes about 5,000 undocumented immigrants (about 1% of the state’s population) and around 190 active DACA recipients as of 2020. Despite their contributions to the state’s economy and workforce, these groups do not have special protections under state law.
Role of Advocacy Groups
Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Dakota continue to work on behalf of immigrants’ rights. They focus on:
- Challenging discriminatory laws and enforcement practices in court.
- Providing legal assistance and information to immigrants and their families.
- Advocating for fair treatment and civil liberties for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
However, no new protective legislation for undocumented immigrants has been passed in South Dakota in 2024 or 2025.
Practical Implications for Pending Applications and Everyday Life
If you are an undocumented immigrant in South Dakota, or if you are helping someone who is, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Pending Immigration Applications: The new law does not change federal immigration processes or applications. If you have a pending application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), such as for DACA or another form of relief, your application will be processed under federal rules. However, any contact with local law enforcement could impact your case if it leads to federal immigration enforcement.
- Interacting with Law Enforcement: Be aware that local police and sheriffs are now required to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities. This means that even minor interactions could result in your information being shared with federal agencies.
- Accessing Services: You may still access emergency medical care, public schools, and some other services required by federal law. However, you are not eligible for state-funded benefits or programs unless federal law requires it.
- Legal Support: If you are concerned about your rights or need legal help, contact organizations like the ACLU of South Dakota or a qualified immigration attorney.
Background and Historical Context
Before 2025, South Dakota did not have any cities with official sanctuary policies, but there was also no statewide ban. The passage of SB 7 marks a clear and formal change, making South Dakota one of several states to explicitly ban sanctuary cities in recent years. This move reflects a broader national trend, with some states choosing to restrict local immigration protections while others expand them.
South Dakota’s immigrant community, while small, plays an important role in the state’s economy. Immigrant entrepreneurs and workers contribute millions of dollars in business revenue and fill key roles in industries like agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality.
Future Outlook and What to Watch For
Looking ahead, it is unlikely that South Dakota will reverse its ban on sanctuary cities in the near future. The law passed with strong support in the Legislature and has the backing of the governor. However, advocacy groups may continue to challenge the law in court or push for more inclusive policies.
Key things to watch for include:
- Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups may file lawsuits challenging the law’s impact on civil rights or its enforcement.
- Community Impact: There will likely be ongoing monitoring of how the law affects relationships between law enforcement and immigrant communities, as well as public safety.
- Policy Adjustments: If negative consequences arise, such as increased crime or reduced cooperation with police, there could be calls for changes to the law.
Official Resources and Where to Get More Information
For the most up-to-date and official information about the sanctuary city ban and related immigration policies in South Dakota, visit the South Dakota Legislature’s official website. Here, you can find the full text of SB 7, updates on related laws, and contact information for state officials.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about your rights as an immigrant in South Dakota, the ACLU of South Dakota is a key resource. They offer information, legal support, and advocacy for immigrants and their families.
Summary of Immediate Next Steps
- Undocumented immigrants in South Dakota should be aware that there are no local protections from immigration enforcement.
- Local law enforcement agencies must cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities.
- Anyone with a pending immigration application should continue to follow federal procedures and seek legal advice if needed.
- Community organizations and advocates should focus on legal support and monitoring the law’s impact.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the passage of SB 7 and the statewide ban on sanctuary cities in South Dakota marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. The law’s effects will continue to unfold in the coming months and years, shaping the experiences of immigrants, law enforcement, and communities across the state.
Key Takeaways:
- South Dakota has banned sanctuary cities statewide as of July 1, 2025.
- No local government can limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities or provide extra protections to undocumented immigrants.
- Undocumented immigrants face increased risk of detention and deportation.
- No state-level benefits or protections are available for undocumented immigrants.
- Advocacy groups remain active, but the current political climate is strongly opposed to sanctuary policies.
For more information on immigration enforcement and your rights, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website. This site provides details on federal immigration enforcement, detainer requests, and how local law enforcement works with federal agencies.
By staying informed and seeking legal support when needed, individuals and families affected by these changes can better understand their options and protect their rights in South Dakota.
Learn Today
Sanctuary City → A local jurisdiction limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
SB 7 → South Dakota state law banning sanctuary city policies statewide effective July 1, 2025.
Detainer → A request from federal immigration authorities to local agencies to hold suspected immigrants temporarily.
Undocumented Immigrant → A person residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status or authorization.
Federal Immigration Authorities → Government agencies responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including ICE and USCIS.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 1, 2025, South Dakota enacted SB 7 banning sanctuary cities statewide. All local authorities must cooperate with federal immigration agencies, increasing deportation risks for undocumented immigrants, and eliminating local sanctuary protections and state benefits, reshaping immigration enforcement across the state with significant community impacts.
— By VisaVerge.com
