Sanctuary Cities Under Scrutiny: DOJ Reveals List of Non-Cooperating Jurisdictions

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Trump Governance removes LA County From ‘Sanctuary Jurisdiction’ List, Intensifies Pressure on cities

Justice Department claims policy shifts led to the removal, while local officials emphasize a commitment to both law and community trust.

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles County is no longer listed as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” by the U.S.Department of Justice, according to a recent announcement. The move comes as the Trump administration continues its aggressive push to enforce federal immigration laws and penalize cities and counties perceived as obstructing those efforts.

The Justice Department, under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, has been actively identifying and publicly shaming jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This initiative stems from a January 2017 executive order, “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens,” which mandated the DOJ and Department of Homeland Security to compile a list of non-cooperative areas.

Los Angeles has been a key target. the city itself unanimously declared itself a sanctuary city in November, prohibiting the use of city resources for immigration enforcement. In June, the DOJ filed a federal lawsuit against the city, Mayor Karen Bass, and the City council, alleging that L.A.’s sanctuary law was “illegal” and that officials were refusing to share data with federal immigration authorities. Bondi stated at the time that jurisdictions prioritizing “illegal aliens over American citizens” were undermining law enforcement.

The administration has seen some successes. Last month, Bondi announced that Louisville, Kentucky, had abandoned its sanctuary policies after receiving a warning letter from her office, framing it as a model for other cities. She warned other jurisdictions they would face similar legal action if they didn’t comply.

While L.A. County has taken steps to oppose the administration’s immigration policies – most recently, a 4-0 vote by the Board of Supervisors to draft an ordinance prohibiting law enforcement from concealing their identities with masks (except for legitimate operational reasons) – it has stopped short of officially declaring itself a sanctuary county.

The response from L.A. County leaders to being removed from the DOJ’s list has been muted. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who abstained from the vote on the mask ordinance, stated she has “worked hard to advance a thoughtful approach to governance – one that upholds the law while respecting the dignity of all individuals.” She added her commitment to transparency,accountability,and balancing public safety with community trust.

The Justice department has offered assistance to any jurisdiction wishing to be removed from the list, promising to help identify and eliminate sanctuary policies. The administration’s actions signal a continued commitment to aggressively challenging what it views as obstruction of federal immigration law, setting the stage for potential further legal battles with cities and counties across the country.

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What legal arguments support the DOJ’s authority to identify and potentially sanction jurisdictions deemed “non-cooperating” in federal immigration enforcement?

Understanding the DOJ’s Action & Sanctuary City Policies

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released a list identifying jurisdictions deemed “non-cooperating” in federal immigration enforcement efforts. This action has reignited the debate surrounding sanctuary cities and their impact on national security and immigration law. These cities, counties, and states generally limit their cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – often refusing to honor ICE detainers or share details about a person’s immigration status.

The DOJ’s list isn’t new; it’s been updated periodically as 2017, but the renewed focus highlights the biden management’s evolving stance on immigration and its commitment to enforcing federal law. The core issue revolves around the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and the Supremacy Clause, which establishes federal law as supreme.

Key Jurisdictions Identified by the DOJ (August 6, 2025)

As of today, August 6, 2025, the DOJ list includes (but is not limited to):

California: Several counties and cities within California maintain sanctuary policies.

Illinois: Cook County (Chicago) is a prominent example.

New York: New York City and several upstate counties are included.

Massachusetts: Boston and surrounding areas.

Colorado: Denver and Boulder.

Washington: King County (Seattle).

this list is subject to change as jurisdictions modify their policies or as the DOJ updates its assessment. It’s crucial to note that the designation doesn’t automatically trigger funding cuts, but it does signal a lack of full cooperation and potentially opens the door to legal challenges.

What Constitutes “Non-Cooperation”?

The DOJ defines “non-cooperation” primarily through the following actions (or lack thereof):

1. Refusal to Honor ICE detainers: ICE detainers request that local law enforcement hold individuals suspected of being deportable for an additional 48 hours after they would or else be released, allowing ICE agents to take custody.
2. Restrictions on Information Sharing: Limiting communication between local law enforcement and ICE regarding a person’s immigration status.
3. Obstruction of ICE Access: Preventing ICE agents from accessing correctional facilities or other locations to make arrests.
4. Prohibition of Inquiries into Immigration Status: Policies that explicitly forbid local officers from asking about a person’s immigration status during routine interactions.

Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

The legality of sanctuary policies has been consistently challenged in court. Several key cases have shaped the landscape:

City of Philadelphia v. United States (2020): the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal government cannot withhold federal funds from cities based on their sanctuary policies, citing the Tenth Amendment.

Ongoing litigation: Numerous lawsuits continue to be filed by states and cities challenging federal attempts to restrict sanctuary policies.

Preemption Doctrine: A central legal argument revolves around whether federal immigration law preempts local policies that hinder enforcement.

These cases demonstrate the complex legal terrain surrounding sanctuary cities and the ongoing tension between federal and local authority. Immigration law is a constantly evolving field.

Impact on Public Safety: Arguments For and Against

The debate over sanctuary cities often centers on their impact on public safety.

Arguments in favor of sanctuary policies:

Community Trust: Supporters argue that these policies foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, encouraging reporting of crimes.

Focus on Serious crimes: Local resources are better allocated to addressing serious crimes rather than assisting with immigration enforcement.

Protection of Civil Rights: Sanctuary policies protect individuals from unlawful detention and deportation.

Arguments against sanctuary policies:

Release of Criminals: Critics contend that sanctuary policies can lead to the release of individuals who have committed crimes, posing a risk to public safety.

Hindrance to Federal Enforcement: These policies obstruct federal efforts to enforce immigration laws and deport individuals who pose a threat.

Increased Crime rates: Some studies suggest a correlation between sanctuary policies and increased crime rates, although this remains a contentious issue. Public safety concerns are paramount.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

Kate Steinle Case (2015): The shooting death of Kate Steinle in San Francisco by an undocumented immigrant sparked national outrage and fueled the debate over sanctuary policies. The case highlighted the potential consequences of releasing individuals with prior criminal records.

* Denver’s Policy Changes (2024): Faced with increasing pressure from the state government, Denver modified its sanctuary policies to allow for greater cooperation with