Justice Department publishes list of 35
CBS1 day
DOJ Lists 35 'Sanctuary Jurisdictions' for Legal Action
Above: Federal agents at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on July 24, 2025, in New York City. Image copyright: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Sanctuary policies create dangerous loopholes that allow criminal illegal immigrants to evade federal authorities and return to communities. These jurisdictions actively obstruct ICE operations by refusing detainer requests, putting public safety at risk. The Trump administration's legal pressure is already working, with Louisville changing its policies to protect residents.
Democratic narrative
Local sanctuary policies protect community safety by encouraging immigrant cooperation with police without fear of deportation for minor infractions. Federal courts have recognized these policies as constitutionally protected exercises of state sovereignty. Mass deportation efforts actually make communities less safe by diverting local police from neighborhood protection.