- Immigrant Times
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 3
SAFE HAVEN FOR IMMIGRANTS
American sanctuary states and cities pledge to protect immigrants from federal assaults
By The Immigrant Times
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and California Governor Gavin Newsom say they will not succumb to threats by President Trump’s administration
September 2025: As US President Donald Trump intensifies his campaign against sanctuary jurisdictions, states and cities across the United States are responding with defiance, legal action, and renewed commitments to immigrant protections. The latest wave of threats, spearheaded by Attorney General Pam Bondi, includes potential prosecutions and funding cuts aimed at cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
President Trump’s executive orders, including one titled ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion’, direct federal agencies to withhold funds from jurisdictions deemed non-compliant with immigration directives. The administration argues that sanctuary policies obstruct lawful federal operations. Yet courts have repeatedly pushed back. In August 2025, a US district judge extended an injunction blocking the administration from cutting federal money to 34 cities and counties, calling the move coercive and unconstitutional.
Cities like Seattle, Portland, Hoboken, and Boston have issued formal responses defending their sanctuary policies, citing legal precedent and community trust as core values. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared, “Pam Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump administration that, day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism. That’s not going to happen”.
Not all cities have held the line. Louisville, Kentucky, reversed its stance and resumed cooperation with ICE after federal pressure and community consultations. Mayor Craig Greenberg acknowledged the fear among immigrant residents and expressed a desire to remove Louisville from the federal sanctuary list.
Meanwhile, Rochester, New York, doubled down, amending its municipal code to discipline personnel who violate sanctuary policies. These moves reflect a broader trend: while some jurisdictions recalibrate under pressure, others are fortifying their legal and ethical defences.
The battle is far from over. With President Trump’s legal challenges continuing, most recently against New York City, and federal agencies expanding their lists of “non-compliant” jurisdictions, sanctuary cities remain a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration, federalism, and civil rights.
US states and cities respond to the US government’s threat to sanctuary cities
California Governor Gavin Newsom:
Reaffirming the state’s values and ongoing commitment to protect Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded to the federal government’s threats regarding the state’s laws related to law enforcement cooperation with immigration enforcement and reminded U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi of the ethical obligations for U.S. Department of Justice (US DOJ) lawyers.
“The courts have reaffirmed the validity of California’s laws time and again. This is yet another attempt by the federal government to pressure states into bending the knee and accepting its authoritarian tactics. We will not be bullied into relinquishing our sovereignty.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz:
“I do not understand why the federal government prioritises locking up nursing mothers with no criminal record, or deporting U.S. citizen children undergoing cancer treatment, or snatching high school kids off the street. At the same time, they walk the family’s dog. That the federal government would insist that Minnesota should divert state resources to do the federal government's job or help effectuate some kind of misguided political agenda is fundamentally inconsistent with our founding principles as a
nation.
I firmly believe that securing our border does not mean we sacrifice our constitutional values; I urge you to join me in rejecting that false choice.”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek:
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek pushed back against claims from the Trump administration that the state is obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts because of its sanctuary law. “On behalf of the state of Oregon and its citizens, I respectfully disagree with your assertions. The state of Oregon, its public officials and its law enforcement officers do not engage in conduct that thwarts federal immigration enforcement.”
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson:
Joined at the state Capitol by legislators, cabinet members and representatives from numerous organisations, Governor Bob Ferguson responded today to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi which included threats of criminal prosecution of Ferguson and other officials.
“You refer to unidentified policies and practices within Washington State which violate federal law, without any explanation. You threaten that state officials operating under the colour of law, using their official position to obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts and facilitating or inducing illegal immigration may be subject to criminal charges.”
“You are hereby notified that Washington State will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations.”
Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, MA
“I write in response to your letter threatening to p[prosecute local officials and illegally withhold federal grants and contracts unless the City of Boston agrees to actively participate in mass deportation. Your administration’s false and continuous attacks on American cities and millions of our residents are unprecedented.”
“The city of Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom and a home for everyone.”
Bruce A Harrell, Mayor of Seattle, WA
My mother, from a Japanese American immigrant family, was incarcerated as a little girl in an internment camp during World War II and perceived as a threat to public safety. continued to believe that the best community is a safe community. She lived by that mantra even after she was deemed a threat by the very country she loved.”
Further reading: President Trump versus US universities || American news || Counting Americans || US Supreme Court allows immigration raids ||
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