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Sanctuary Policities

Sanctuary cities & states

"Sanctuary" cities, counties, and states generally limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Local governments are under no legal obligation to assist with civil immigration enforcement—any collaboration with ICE is entirely voluntary.  

The term "Sanctuary" is loosely defined and can mean different things. Some areas have formal policies, while others offer verbal commitments to support immigrants. Even where formal policies exist, their scope varies widely. It is crucial to note that "Sanctuary" is not a legal or uniformly defined term.  

Although it is important for cities to have clear & comprehensive sanctuary policies, it is even more critical to ensure that county and state governments have unambiguous, detailed policies against cooperation with civil immigration enforcement.

This article explores some of the implications of CA as a Sanctuary State under a second Trump administration. Below, you'll find details on the value of sanctuary policies and links to articles and reports on the state of sanctuary across the U.S. As this landscape is rapidly changing, refer to the listed organizations' websites for the latest updates.

The Value of Sanctuary

At the county level, the immigration and criminal justice systems have become very intertwined. Immigrants who have not been convicted of any offense can become victims of an unjust system—one that denies immigrants the right to a public defender and due process because immigration enforcement is treated as civil law. Often, immigrants are detained without access to legal counsel or even a right to a bond hearing, in for-profit detention centers.


Beyond being a gross violation of human rights, this system also creates a climate of fear among immigrant communities. As a result, people in crisis are less likely to seek help from public services, such as healthcare, food assistance, and support for victims of crime. 

More Information:
Sanctuary Policies Across the USA

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

State Map on Immigration Enforcement 2024

The map represents the degree to which state policies limit or expand involvement in immigration enforcement, based on an analysis of current state laws.

San Francisco Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs

Sanctuary City Ordinance

Information & FAQs about San Francisco's Sanctuary City Ordinance.  Also includes link to most recent version of ordinance.

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We are grateful to all of the advocates and partners in this work.
Collaborators include:

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