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• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed its list of ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ from its website following intense backlash.
• The list included over 500 cities and counties accused of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
• Many jurisdictions on the list disputed their inclusion, citing compliance with federal laws and cooperation with law enforcement.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The list, which was published last week, identified cities, counties, and states that DHS claimed were not cooperating with federal immigration authorities. This move was part of the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce stricter immigration policies.

Core Players

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Led by Secretary Kristi Noem
• Donald Trump – President Trump and current Republican frontrunner
• U.S. Conference of Mayors – Representing mayors across the nation
• Local Law Enforcement – Agencies in affected jurisdictions

Key Numbers

• Over 500 – Cities and counties listed as ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’
• 188 – Cities specifically mentioned by the U.S. Conference of Mayors as being incorrectly included
• April 28, 2025 – Date of the Executive Order directing DHS to identify non-compliant jurisdictions

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The Catalyst

The removal of the list comes after widespread criticism from mayors, law enforcement, and other stakeholders who argued that many jurisdictions were incorrectly included. The U.S. Conference of Mayors emphasized that many listed cities comply with federal law enforcement and cooperate with state and federal authorities.

“These cities do not restrict the sharing of information with federal authorities. They do not harbor undocumented people. They collaborate with state and federal law enforcement partners on a daily basis,” the Conference stated.

Inside Forces

The Trump administration’s move to publish the list was part of an Executive Order signed on April 28, 2025, aimed at identifying and publicly highlighting jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had stated that these jurisdictions were endangering Americans and law enforcement by protecting “violent criminal illegal aliens.”

However, the backlash was swift, with many jurisdictions arguing that they were being unfairly targeted and that the list was inaccurate.

Power Dynamics

The decision to remove the list reflects a significant power dynamic shift. The intense pushback from local authorities and the public forced DHS to reconsider its approach. This move also highlights the ongoing tension between federal and local governments over immigration policies.

“Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law,” Secretary Noem had warned, but the removal of the list indicates a temporary retreat in this standoff.

Outside Impact

The removal of the list has broader implications for immigration policy and law enforcement cooperation. It suggests that the federal government may need to reassess its strategy for enforcing immigration laws, particularly in light of strong opposition from local communities.

This development also underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between federal authorities and local jurisdictions on immigration issues.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the issue of sanctuary jurisdictions is unlikely to be resolved soon. The federal government may continue to face resistance from local authorities, and the legal and political battles over immigration policies will likely persist.

Key areas to watch include potential legislative changes, court rulings, and further executive actions that could shape the landscape of immigration enforcement.

Data Points

• May 29, 2025 – DHS initially published the list of sanctuary jurisdictions
• June 2, 2025 – The list was removed from the DHS website
• April 28, 2025 – Executive Order signed directing DHS to identify non-compliant jurisdictions
• Over 500 – Total number of cities and counties initially listed