Sanctuary Cities And Counties Targeted By Trump Administration: Full List

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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Defining "Sanctuary Cities" and "Sanctuary Counties"

The term "sanctuary city" or "sanctuary county" lacks a uniform legal definition, leading to variations in policies across different jurisdictions. These variations make it difficult to create a completely exhaustive list of every location that could be considered a "sanctuary jurisdiction" by any given definition. Essentially, these policies limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Legal Definitions and Variations

The core principle of a sanctuary jurisdiction is to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. However, the specifics vary widely. Some jurisdictions may refuse to hold individuals for ICE, while others might only limit information sharing with federal authorities regarding the immigration status of individuals. This lack of a consistent definition often leads to legal challenges and political disputes.

• Examples of common sanctuary city/county policies: These include refusing to honor ICE detainers, not inquiring about immigration status during routine police stops, and limiting the sharing of information about an individual's immigration status with federal agencies.
• Differing levels of sanctuary policies: The level of protection offered varies significantly. Some jurisdictions may have comprehensive policies encompassing many aspects of law enforcement, while others may focus on a single element, such as not inquiring about immigration status.
• Legal challenges: The legality of sanctuary city policies has been consistently challenged in court, with various outcomes depending on the specific policies and legal arguments involved.

Key Policies and Executive Orders Targeting Sanctuary Jurisdictions

The Trump administration implemented several key policies and executive orders aimed at pressuring sanctuary jurisdictions to change their policies. These actions often involved the threat of withholding federal funding.

Executive Order 13768

Executive Order 13768, issued in January 2017, aimed to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions that did not comply with federal immigration enforcement requests. This executive order sparked significant controversy and numerous legal challenges.

Subsequent Legal Challenges

Numerous lawsuits were filed against Executive Order 13768 and subsequent related policies, challenging their constitutionality and impact on local governments. The legal arguments centered around issues of federalism, the Tenth Amendment, and due process rights. The Supreme Court's involvement varied across different cases.

• Specific examples of funding withheld or threatened: The administration threatened to withhold grants related to law enforcement, public safety, and other areas.
• Key legal arguments: Plaintiffs argued that the executive order overstepped federal authority and violated the rights of local governments. The government argued that it had the authority to condition federal funding on compliance with immigration laws.
• Supreme Court Involvement: While the Supreme Court did not directly rule on the constitutionality of the core executive order, various related cases reached the Supreme Court and influenced the overall legal landscape concerning federal funding and immigration enforcement.

A Comprehensive List of Targeted Cities and Counties

Creating a fully accurate and up-to-date list of all jurisdictions ever targeted is challenging due to the constantly evolving nature of sanctuary policies and legal battles. This list represents a snapshot of jurisdictions that have faced significant scrutiny and actions from the Trump administration. This list is not exhaustive and should be considered as a starting point for further research. For the most up-to-date information, consult individual city and county websites. Note: This list is current as of [Insert Date].

State-by-State Breakdown

(Insert Table Here: State | City/County | Description of Sanctuary Policies (if known) | Link to Relevant Information)

The table should ideally be sortable by state for better readability and ease of navigation. Consider adding a visual element such as a map displaying the locations of sanctuary jurisdictions, which would greatly improve the user experience and increase engagement.

Data Accuracy and Limitations

The policies of sanctuary jurisdictions are dynamic and can change over time. This list reflects the situation at a specific point in time and should not be considered definitive or permanently fixed. It is crucial to conduct independent research to confirm the current status of any specific jurisdiction.

The Political and Social Impact of Targeting Sanctuary Jurisdictions

The targeting of sanctuary jurisdictions has had a significant political and social impact, further polarizing the already divisive issue of immigration.

Political Polarization

The issue of sanctuary cities has become a highly politicized topic, deeply dividing political opinions and contributing to the overall partisan divide in the United States. The debate has frequently played a significant role in national and local elections.

Impact on Immigrant Communities

The policies and actions targeting sanctuary cities have had a significant impact on immigrant communities. The fear of increased immigration enforcement has led to concerns regarding the well-being and safety of undocumented immigrants.

• Public opinion polls: Polls show a significant divergence in public opinion regarding sanctuary city policies, reflecting the deep political divisions surrounding the issue.
• Human rights implications: Critics argue that the policies targeting sanctuary cities have human rights implications, potentially leading to discrimination and violations of due process.
• Economic impacts: The economic consequences for targeted jurisdictions are complex and debated, with potential impacts on both the local economy and the overall well-being of immigrant communities.

Conclusion

This article has explored the complex issue of sanctuary cities and counties, focusing on the Trump administration's actions and their impact. We defined sanctuary jurisdictions, outlined key policies and executive orders, provided a state-by-state list of targeted jurisdictions (acknowledging its limitations), and analyzed the resulting political and social consequences. The debate surrounding sanctuary cities and counties continues to be a significant aspect of the ongoing conversation about immigration policy in the United States.

This list of sanctuary cities and counties targeted by the Trump administration provides a crucial overview of a complex and evolving issue. Stay informed about changes in immigration policy and the ongoing debates surrounding sanctuary jurisdictions. Continue to research and learn more about the legal battles and political ramifications surrounding sanctuary cities and sanctuary counties to better understand their impact on immigration policy.