07 Feb What Are Sanctuary Cities and How Do They Affect Immigration?
The work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents often involves enforcing federal immigration laws, which can lead to the detention and deportation of individuals who are in the country without proper documentation. In recent years, many states, counties, and cities throughout the United States have adopted “sanctuary city” status to counteract the potential for anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions. Their actions aim to protect immigrant communities by limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, fostering a sense of safety for residents regardless of immigration status.
If you’re wondering what sanctuary cities are, keep reading, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Henry & Grogan with any questions related to immigration.
What Is a Sanctuary City?
A sanctuary city is a jurisdiction that implements policies (written or unwritten) to limit local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Contrary to belief, these policies do not provide blanket protection for undocumented immigrants. Instead, they focus on using local resources to maintain community safety.
The term “sanctuary” can apply to cities, counties, or states that adopt measures such as refusing to detain individuals based on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant or restricting access to information about an individual’s immigration status. By adopting such policies, sanctuary cities aim to build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement agencies, ensuring that residents feel safe reporting crimes, seeking medical care, or accessing public services without fear of deportation.
How Sanctuary Cities Protect Immigrants
Sanctuary cities in the U.S. implement their policies in various ways to address the unique needs and priorities of each jurisdiction. Many of these cities refuse to detain individuals solely based on ICE requests unless there is a judicial warrant or the individual has been convicted of serious crimes. They may also decline to share information about an individual’s immigration status with federal agencies. Some areas even offer access to legal defense funds for immigrants facing deportation. All of these sanctuary city policies aim to protect residents while maintaining public safety. For example, limiting compliance with ICE detainers prevents local law enforcement from being co-opted into federal immigration enforcement, which can lead to racial profiling and distrust within communities.
It’s important to note that sanctuary cities do not shield individuals from federal immigration laws. ICE agents retain the authority to conduct their operations within these jurisdictions. However, by reducing local cooperation, sanctuary cities mitigate the reach of federal enforcement actions and ensure that local resources are allocated effectively.
What Cities Are Sanctuary Cities in the U.S.?
Sanctuary cities can be found throughout the United States. Some of the most well-known sanctuary cities include:
- San Francisco, California
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Seattle, Washington
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Baltimore, Maryland
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Louisville, Kentucky
What Parts of Pennsylvania Are Considered Sanctuary Cities?
In Pennsylvania, several cities and counties have adopted sanctuary policies, reflecting their commitment to supporting immigrant communities. A notable example is Philadelphia. As one of the most prominent sanctuary cities in the U.S., Philadelphia has taken significant steps to limit local officials’ cooperation with ICE. The city prioritizes public safety and community trust, focusing on fostering an environment where all residents feel secure.
Other counties in Pennsylvania with “sanctuary” status include:
- Allegheny County
- Berks County
- Bucks County
- Chester County
- Delaware County
- Lehigh County
- Mifflin County
- Montgomery County
- Montour County
- Northampton County
- Washington County
Have Questions About Immigration Issues? Call Henry & Grogan
By limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, sanctuary jurisdictions promote community trust, reduce fear among immigrant populations, and allow local resources to focus on pressing public safety concerns. While these states, counties, and cities underscore the need for fair and humane immigration practices, they are not designed to make immigration problems disappear.
If you or a loved one are navigating immigration challenges or need assistance with anything from the appeals process to criminal deportation defense, the attorneys at Henry & Grogan are here to help. Our employment-based and family-based immigration attorneys are ready to provide the support and expertise you need. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward resolving your immigration concerns.
