On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released an updated list of sanctuary jurisdictions—states, counties, and cities that, according to DHS, obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws. This action follows Executive Order 14287, signed by President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, which mandates the publication of such a list to identify jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Northampton and Lehigh Counties were both listed, lending to concerns of increased immigration enforcement and loss of federal funding.

What Are Sanctuary Jurisdictions?

Sanctuary jurisdictions are localities that have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These policies may include declining to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests, restricting information sharing with federal agencies, or prohibiting local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status. Supporters argue that such policies foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging cooperation in reporting crimes. Critics, including DHS, contend that these policies undermine the rule of law and endanger public safety by allowing individuals who may pose threats to remain in communities.

Highlights from the DHS List

The DHS list identifies over 500 jurisdictions across the United States as sanctuary jurisdictions. Some notable inclusions are:

• California: The state self-identifies as a sanctuary jurisdiction. Counties such as Alameda, Los Angeles, and Monterey are listed, along with cities like San Francisco and Oakland.
• Illinois: The state is designated as a sanctuary jurisdiction, with counties including Cook and DuPage, and cities like Chicago and Evanston.
• Maryland: The state is listed, along with counties such as Montgomery and Prince George’s, and cities like Baltimore and Rockville.
• New York: New York City and several surrounding counties are identified as sanctuary jurisdictions.
• Pennsylvania: Lehigh and Northampton Counties are listed. Philadelphia is included on the list due to its policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Implications for Listed Jurisdictions

DHS has indicated that jurisdictions on the list will receive formal notifications regarding their non-compliance with federal statutes. The department demands that these jurisdictions review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws. Failure to comply may result in consequences such as the withholding of federal funds, although specific penalties have not been detailed.

Legal and Political Context

The designation of sanctuary jurisdictions has been a contentious issue, with debates over the balance between federal authority and local autonomy. Supporters of sanctuary policies argue that they are essential for protecting immigrant communities and maintaining public safety. Opponents, including the current administration, assert that these policies hinder the enforcement of immigration laws and pose risks to national security.

Legal challenges have arisen in response to federal actions against sanctuary jurisdictions. For instance, on April 24, 2025, a federal judge in San Francisco blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from 16 sanctuary cities and counties, ruling that such actions likely imposed unconstitutional funding conditions without Congressional approval.

Conclusion

The DHS’s publication of the sanctuary jurisdictions list marks a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and limit sanctuary policies. The implications for listed jurisdictions, including potential legal and financial consequences, underscore the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local governments in shaping related policies.