Sanctuary Jurisdictions for Illegals 8-11-25

Sanctuary jurisdictions, including states, cities, and counties, have varying policies that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. There's no single, official definition of a "sanctuary jurisdiction," and the term is often used to describe policies that restrict or prohibit local law enforcement agencies from assisting in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. 

Based on a list published by the Justice Department, which identifies jurisdictions that "obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws," the following states have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions as of August 2025: 

·       California

·       Colorado

·       Connecticut

·       Delaware

·       Illinois

·       Minnesota

·       Nevada

·       New York

·       Oregon

·       Rhode Island

·       Vermont

·       Washington 

Additionally, the District of Columbia is also included in this list.  

Trump is threatening to stop federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions. This gives these States a chance to prepare for having their funding cut.  If Trump uses the same approach to Sanctuary States he used for Universities to end their protests, we will see the first cuts soon.

In the University strategy, Colombia chose to change policies and pay a fine rather than lose all their federal research contracts. The other Universities are choosing this option.

In the meantime, ICE continues to raid Drug Cartel operations and Homeland Security continues to offer the option for Illegal non-criminals to choose “Self Deportation”.

The cost of arresting and deporting an undocumented immigrant can vary, but recent estimates from 2025 indicate a figure exceeding $17,000 per individual. This figure includes costs associated with apprehension, detention, legal processing, and removal. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+cost+to+arrest+and+deport+an+illegal

However, the U.S. government, through initiatives like the CBP Home program, has provided incentives to encourage some individuals to depart the country voluntarily. 

These incentives include:

·       Cost-free travel: The government offers free transportation to the individual's home country or a country where they have legal status.

·       $1,000 exit bonus: This bonus is paid after the individual's departure from the United States is confirmed.

·       Forgiveness of fines: Civil fines for failure to depart, previously incurred by some individuals, may be waived upon voluntary departure. 

It's important to note that

·       These incentives are offered for voluntary departures through the CBP Home Mobile App.

·       The government's perspective is that this voluntary departure program is more cost-effective than a formal deportation process. The average cost of arresting, detaining, and removing an individual is approximately $17,121, according to DHS.

·       Voluntary departure through this program can potentially preserve the option for individuals to legally re-enter the United States in the future. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+cost+of+self+deportation+per+illegal

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader