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What is a Sanctuary City?
In U.S. policy discussions, a “sanctuary city” generally refers to a city, county, or state that limits some forms of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The term is widely used in media and politics, but there is no single nationwide legal definition, and policies vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Some jurisdictions limit when local police will honor federal immigration detainer requests, restrict questions about immigration status in certain situations, or limit information-sharing beyond what federal law requires. Others may still cooperate with federal authorities in many cases, especially for serious criminal matters.
Because policies differ and change over time, lists and counts of “sanctuary” jurisdictions vary depending on the source, criteria, and date.
US Sanctuary City Facts and Statistics (2026)
Quick Answer
A “sanctuary city” is not a single legal category. In practice, it usually means a local or state government that limits some cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The exact policy can range from narrow detainer limits to broader restrictions on local agency participation.
Key Takeaways
- No single official federal definition: “Sanctuary city” is a broad term used for different local and state policies.
- Policies vary by jurisdiction: Some places limit detainer cooperation; others focus on policing practices, data sharing, or local service access.
- Counts vary by source: Different organizations track sanctuary jurisdictions using different criteria and update schedules.
- Statewide policies exist in some states: Several states have enacted laws or guidance affecting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- The issue is legally and politically contested: Court rulings, federal policy changes, and local ordinances all affect how these policies operate.
At-a-Glance Facts
| Topic | Fact |
| Common meaning of “sanctuary city” | A jurisdiction that limits some cooperation with federal immigration enforcement |
| Official nationwide legal definition | No single uniform definition |
| Applies only to cities? | No; can also refer to counties, states, and other local jurisdictions |
| Do all sanctuary policies ban cooperation? | No; many policies allow cooperation in specific circumstances (for example, serious criminal cases or judicial warrants) |
| Why counts differ | Different sources use different criteria, dates, and policy thresholds |
How Sanctuary Policies Typically Work
Sanctuary-related policies are not all the same. A jurisdiction may be labeled “sanctuary” if it does one or more of the following:
- Limits compliance with immigration detainer requests unless accompanied by a judicial warrant or other legal basis under local/state law
- Restricts local law enforcement from asking about immigration status in routine interactions
- Limits local resources from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement
- Sets rules for when local agencies may share release dates or personal information
- Creates local procedures intended to increase reporting of crimes by immigrant communities
At the same time, many jurisdictions that adopt sanctuary-style policies still cooperate with federal authorities in specific scenarios, especially where state law, court orders, or criminal investigations are involved.
Why the Number of Sanctuary Cities Varies by Source
There is no single official federal master list of sanctuary jurisdictions. Counts can differ because sources may:
- Include only cities, or include counties and states too
- Count jurisdictions with formal ordinances only, or also include policies and agency directives
- Use different legal criteria (detainers, information-sharing, jail access, etc.)
- Update their maps and databases at different times
If you are citing a count, it is best practice to name the source and date of the count directly in the article.
Common Terms You’ll See in Sanctuary City Discussions
- Immigration detainer (ICE detainer): A federal request asking a local jail or law enforcement agency to hold a person for a period of time so federal immigration authorities can assume custody (subject to local law and legal constraints).
- Civil immigration enforcement: Enforcement of immigration law that is generally civil (not criminal) in nature.
- 287(g) agreement: A federal program that allows participating state/local agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.
- Jurisdiction: A city, county, or state government authority.
Sanctuary City vs. Sanctuary State
Sanctuary city usually refers to a municipal policy. Sanctuary county refers to county-level policy. Sanctuary state generally refers to state laws or statewide directives that limit some forms of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
These terms are often used informally, and the actual legal effect depends on the exact text of the local ordinance, county policy, state law, court decisions, and agency guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sanctuary city” mean in simple terms?
It usually means a local government has adopted policies that limit some cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, especially in day-to-day local policing or jail practices.
Is there an official federal list of sanctuary cities?
There is no single universally accepted federal list used across all contexts. Different organizations and agencies have used different criteria and lists over time.
Are sanctuary cities only in the United States?
The term is most commonly used in U.S. policy debates, but similar concepts can exist in other countries under different legal frameworks and names.
Do sanctuary policies prevent all cooperation with federal authorities?
No. Many policies limit certain forms of cooperation while allowing others, especially in situations involving criminal warrants, serious offenses, or mandatory legal requirements.
Why is this topic so hard to measure with one number?
Because “sanctuary” is not one legal category. Jurisdictions adopt different policy combinations, and those policies change over time.
How to Use Sanctuary City Statistics Responsibly
If you’re citing sanctuary city statistics in reports, articles, or school work, include:
- The source name
- The date the source was published or last updated
- The source’s methodology/criteria (what counts as a sanctuary jurisdiction)
- Whether the count includes cities only or also counties/states
This makes comparisons more accurate and helps readers understand why different numbers may appear in different publications.
Sources and References
- Associated Press: What to know about “sanctuary cities” and immigration enforcement (explainer)
- Reuters: DOJ removed a federal sanctuary jurisdictions list after criticism over accuracy/methodology
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 287(g) Program
- ICE: Immigration Detainer overview / factsheet
- Center for Immigration Studies: Sanctuary Cities/Counties map (methodology varies by source)
See also: US Immigration Statistics and Facts
