DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES MEMO ON SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS

Over 36 states and scores of counties and cities are listed on DHS ‘hit’ list

NEWARK, NJ [05.29.25] - This evening, the Department of Homeland Security published a list of 36 states with counties and cities who have sanctuary policies. The memo warned that each jurisdiction would receive a notice of non-compliance and are demanded to review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration law. 

This move by the Trump administration is solely choreographed to intimidate local and State leaders; all sanctuary policies are already in compliance with federal law. Immigration policies may be changed by Congress or the President, but those immigration laws do not change the Constitution nor the rights that states, counties, and cities have to enact their own laws. Last week, the Department of Justice attempted to sue four New Jersey cities — Newark, Paterson, Jersey City, and Hoboken — for their sanctuary policies. All four cities released statements that clearly and correctly stated that their cities were already in compliance.

New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice calls upon the other fourteen New Jersey cities named in this list, along with Burlington, Cumberland, and Warren Counties, to follow the leadership of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken who are standing firm in their values and not backing down to hollow intimidation tactics.

Today’s memo marks a turning point in the Trump Administration’s continued abuse of power by suggesting that DHS has the authority to dictate local and state law. While this weaponization of DHS presents a new low for our democracy, New Jersey has emerged as a national leader, willing to call bluffs when necessary and affirm the values and integrity of the U.S. Constitution.

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