After the Trump administration publicly shamed sanctuary cities and states, some have chosen to reverse course and work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Trump administration officially removed Nevada from its list of sanctuary jurisdictions in September after eleven sheriffs in the Silver State recommitted to helping the feds, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X Monday.
Law enforcement agencies in sanctuary cities traditionally ignore ICE requests to hand over illegal immigrant criminals from jails, instead letting them go free. They are also barred from assisting with ICE arrests more generally.
But Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo previously blamed the state’s Democratic attorney general for making attempts “to implement sanctuary policies.” Lombardo insisted that the state has “never been a sanctuary state, and never will be” one.
Lombardo’s office asked the Trump administration to clarify the designation, according to an August statement.
In addition to recommitting their support for the feds, Nevada pledged to use FEMA funds to assist ICE and upgrade local jail cells designated for federal detainees. The state National Guard will also support ICE operations.
When others cower, real leaders step up.
I applaud the Nevada Sheriffs’ & Chiefs’ Association and Governor @JosephMLombardo for their commitment to working with @ICEgov to protect American citizens from dangerous criminal illegal aliens.
Because of their efforts, Nevada has… pic.twitter.com/4UWG1DSUuR
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) November 10, 2025
“When others cower, real leaders step up,” Noem wrote of Nevada’s policy reversal.
“I applaud the Nevada Sheriffs’ & Chiefs’ Association and Governor @JosephMLombardo for their commitment to working with @ICEgov to protect American citizens from dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” she said, adding, “Because of their efforts, Nevada has been removed from the Trump Administration’s sanctuary jurisdiction list. I encourage every leader across our nation to follow their example so that all Americans can live in peace and safety.”
Last month, the Department of Justice removed Baltimore County from the list after the previously-designated sanctuary authorities signed an agreement with ICE.
“Despite restrictions from state leadership, Baltimore County has shown a willingness to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This is a small step toward restoring public safety and we appreciate the county’s commitment to updating its policies,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said in a statement at the time.
The Trump administration rolled out the list of sanctuary states, cities, and counties in August, threatening possible legal action against them for refusing to work with ICE.
“Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”
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