In recent years, sanctuary cities in the USA have generated many doubts, myths and debates, especially within the immigrant community.
In 2026, this issue is relevant due to the constant changes in immigration policies and the active presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in different regions of the country.
As immigration attorneys in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, we see how a lack of clear information can increase uncertainty and make it more difficult to make safe decisions. This article seeks to explain the topic in a simple way so that you can make informed decisions and better protect your rights.
What are sanctuary cities for immigrants in the USA?
Sanctuary cities are cities, counties, or states in the United States that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, such as ICE. Its objective is that immigrants can live in greater security and access basic services without constant fear of deportation.
In these cities, local police and other agencies do not focus on people’s immigration status when they go about their daily duties. This seeks to strengthen trust between the immigrant community and local authorities.
In general, a sanctuary city:
- It does not routinely ask about immigration status.
- It does not detain a person just by an administrative order from ICE.
- It prioritizes public safety over immigration enforcement.
- It allows immigrants to report crimes without fear.
It’s important to clarify something key: living in a sanctuary city doesn’t mean a person is automatically protected from deportation. Federal immigration laws remain in effect throughout the country.
We often see how much confusion exists on this subject. Therefore, understanding what sanctuary cities really are helps to avoid unnecessary risks.
Origin of sanctuary cities in the USA
The concept of sanctuary cities in the United States is not recent. Its origin dates back to the 1980s, when several churches and communities began to offer protection to people fleeing armed conflicts in Central America.
At the time, many immigrants from countries like El Salvador and Guatemala were facing extreme violence and did not receive sufficient legal protection. In response, some cities and local organizations decided to limit their collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Over time, this idea moved from the religious sphere to the governmental sphere. Cities and states began creating local policies to:
- Protect vulnerable immigrant communities.
- Encourage cooperation with local police.
- Avoid unnecessary family separations.
- Focus local resources on public safety issues.
Beginning in the 2000s, the term “sanctuary city” gained greater visibility due to changes in federal immigration policies and an increase in deportations.
Today, sanctuary cities do not respond to a single national law. Each jurisdiction establishes its own rules according to its political and social context. As such, the scope of these policies may vary from place to place, even within the same region.
What are the sanctuary cities in the USA 2026?
There is no single, official federal list of sanctuary cities in the USA 2026 at the federal level because policies vary by city, county, or state. Unlike other legal issues, there is no law that determines which places are sanctuaries.
However, different reports and lists based on local policies help us identify various jurisdictions that limit your cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In the United States, some states and cities have sanctuary policies. These policies restrict local authorities’ cooperation with ICE in certain immigration cases, but do not offer full protection from deportation.
Below is a list of sanctuary cities based on baseline information compiled from published local policies and compilations of recognized agencies/media in 2016 (these states have passed laws or guidelines limiting cooperation with federal immigration):
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Some major cities with sanctuary policies (these cities have been mentioned in official lists or policy briefs):
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Berkeley (California)
- Boston (Massachusetts)
- Chicago (Illinois)
- Denver (Colorado)
- Hoboken (New Jersey)
- Jersey City (New Jersey)
- Los Angeles (California)
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- New York (New York)
- Newark (New Jersey)
- Paterson (New Jersey)
- Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
- Portland (Oregon)
- Rochester (New York)
- Seattle (Washington)
- San Francisco (California)
Counties with similar policies
In addition to cities, some counties have also adopted these policies:
- Baltimore County (Maryland)
- Cook County (Illinois)
- San Diego County (California)
- San Francisco County (California)
Because many jurisdictions have autonomous policies and some are under judicial or political review, this list may change over time and with the outcome of litigation or local decisions.
In addition, the fact that a place has sanctuary policies does not guarantee immunity from deportation orders from ICE or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Can ICE enter these cities?
Yes. ICE can enter sanctuary cities. This point is very important and often generates a lot of confusion.
Sanctuary cities do not block the presence of ICE or override federal immigration laws. What they do is limit the collaboration of local authorities with ICE.
In practice, this means that:
- ICE can conduct operations within a sanctuary city.
- ICE can detain a person if it has a legal basis to do so.
- Federal immigration laws apply throughout the United States.
What changes is the role of local police and other state or municipal agencies.
In many sanctuary cities:
- Local police do not help ICE detain people just because of their immigration status.
- Local jails do not hold a person solely by an administrative order from ICE.
- No immigration information is shared without a court order.
From our experience in the DMV region, we see that many people believe that a sanctuary city offers full protection. That is not correct and can lead to risky decisions.
Living in a sanctuary city reduces certain risks, but it does not eliminate the possibility of immigration detention. That’s why we always recommend knowing your legal situation and seeking advice before relying only on where you live.
Stories of Resistance from Sanctuary Cities in USA 2026: From NY to Minneapolis
In 2026, the fight around sanctuary cities is not just political or legal; It has also reached moments of community resistance, legal mobilization, and facing federal challenges, especially in the context of stricter immigration policies.
New York and Political Resistance
- New York has for years defended its sanctuary policies as public safety measures, not as spaces that block federal law. These policies are designed to make immigrants trust local authorities and report crimes without fear of deportation.
Community and legal mobilization
- In sanctuary cities such as New York, San Francisco and Chicago, local leaders and activists have faced federal pressure, including lawsuits and threats of losing funding, in defense of local autonomy and the rights of immigrant communities.
Minneapolis: Resistance and Confrontation in 2026
- Minneapolis has been a center of intense resistance in January 2026, after clashes between activists and federal agents during immigration operations. The protests grew, leading to large street mobilizations and public debates about federal intervention.
- The reactions included demonstrations, vigils and ongoing protests, a reflection of strong local opposition to ICE’s actions and federal enforcement in a city with local policies aimed at protecting immigrants.
Community Advocacy Networks
- In other sanctuary cities, community advocacy initiatives have emerged, such as networks that offer legal advice, emergency support and rapid communication in the face of immigration operations. These networks try to protect immigrant families and make them aware of their legal rights.
Institutional and legal resistance
- In several states and cities with sanctuary policies, court battles have taken place against federal actions seeking to restrict funding or impose penalties for failing to cooperate with ICE. This also demonstrates a form of resistance from the legal field.
Summary of resistance types in 2026
- Citizen mobilizations in response to operations and deaths.
- Political and legal defense by local governments in the face of federal pressures.
- Community networks and mutual support to protect immigrants from threats of detention.
These stories show that sanctuary cities don’t just exist in municipal ordinance codes. In 2026, they are also spaces for community organizing, legal resistance, and social mobilization in the face of more aggressive immigration policies at the federal level.
Do you need a lawyer in a sanctuary city?
At Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Attorneys, we work every day with people who live in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We know how these policies apply in the DMV region and how to defend your rights within the legal framework.
Having an attorney doesn’t mean there’s a problem. It means you make informed decisions and protect your family ahead of time.
Do you live in one of the sanctuary cities in the USA? At Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Lawyers, we believe that good protection starts with correct information and personalized legal advice. If you live in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, knowing your immigration status and rights can help you act clearly.
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