What Are Sanctuary Cities in the United States?: Trump Signs Order against Them

Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting so-called “sanctuary cities” in the United States. Likewise, the document, which could reconfigure the way state and local governments interact with federal immigration agencies, marks the return of tough rhetoric against undocumented migrants and puts dozens of jurisdictions that have opted to protect them for decades in the spotlight.

Also, according to the president, this measure is part of his plan to restore “law and order” on the southern border. Meanwhile, he harshly criticizes the increase in irregular crossings during Joe Biden’s administration.

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In addition, the order signed by Trump demands that an official list of states, counties and cities that, in the judgment of the federal government, “obstruct the application of immigration laws” be published within a maximum period of 30 days. Also, governments included in that list could lose access to key federal funds.

Meanwhile, Trump’s goal is to pressure sanctuary jurisdictions to collaborate more actively with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE). However, local resistance is not new. Many local governments—particularly those with a high migrant population—argue that when municipal authorities become extensions of immigration agents, citizen trust is weakened and it becomes more difficult to offer essential services such as health, education, or public safety.

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Although there is no single legal definition, “sanctuary” cities or states are those that have decided to limit their collaboration with ICE on immigration issues.

The main characteristics of these jurisdictions include:

• Do not detain people solely for their immigration status.
• Reject ICE detention requests without a court order.
• Do not share immigration information with federal authorities.
• Prevent the use of municipal resources for federal immigration tasks.

These policies date back to the 1980s, when various churches began offering refuge to Central American migrants. Over time, entire cities adopted similar approaches. During Trump’s first term, numerous localities led by Democrats reinforced their sanctuary status as an act of resistance.

However, the phenomenon has become more complex in recent years. With the relocation of thousands of migrants from Texas to other parts of the country, many sanctuary cities have seen their capacity to care for them overwhelmed. Even some mayors and governors who previously supported these policies are now demanding a review of their viability.

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Although there is no official registry, it is estimated that more than 300 jurisdictions in the United States apply some type of sanctuary policy. Specifically, these are the main cities involved:

States with sanctuary policies:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington

Some key sanctuary cities and counties:

California:
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Ana, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, San Diego County.

Colorado:
Denver, Boulder County, Aurora, Garfield County, Weld County.

Connecticut:
Hartford, East Haven.

Illinois:
Chicago, Cook County.

Massachusetts:
Boston, Cambridge, Lawrence, Somerville, Newton.

New York:
New York City, Albany, Ithaca, Westchester County.

Oregon:
Eugene, Springfield, Multnomah County, Marion County, Washington County.

Washington:
Seattle, Spokane County, King County, Snomish County, Yakima County.

District of Columbia:
Washington, D.C.

Other relevant sanctuary cities and counties:

• New Orleans (Louisiana)
• Providence (Rhode Island)
• Baltimore (Maryland)
• Albuquerque (New Mexico)
• Burlington (Vermont)
• Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
• Alexandria (Virginia)

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