The Trump administration’s designation of Nevada as a “sanctuary” state for undocumented immigrants has sparked a swift response from state and local officials who reject the label. The Department of Justice identified Nevada among several states and jurisdictions that supposedly limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. However, Nevada officials, including Senator Jacky Rosen and representatives for Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, have disputed the designation, emphasizing that Nevada does not fit the criteria of a sanctuary state.
The DOJ’s list cites public declarations and legislative measures that allegedly restrict local law enforcement’s collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alongside limitations on information sharing and funding for federal immigration enforcement. Despite these claims, Nevada officials argue that the state maintains compliance with federal immigration laws.
The controversy follows a similar incident where Las Vegas was briefly labeled a sanctuary city by the Department of Homeland Security, a designation quickly contested by city and state officials. The federal government did not provide a clear rationale for Las Vegas’s inclusion on the list, and the designation was removed shortly thereafter.
In response to the sanctuary designation, some Nevada law enforcement agencies have entered into 287(g) agreements with ICE, allowing certain collaboration in jails regarding the detention of undocumented immigrants. These agreements reflect ongoing cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, countering the sanctuary label.
The DOJ intends to review the sanctuary designations regularly, providing jurisdictions the opportunity to amend policies considered non-compliant with federal regulations. Nevada officials continue to express concerns about the potential impact of this labeling on federal funding and resources for the state.
