As President Donald Trump and his administration continue enforcing federal immigration law, several “sanctuary” jurisdictions have opted to reverse course and rescind policies barring state and local police from assisting federal agents. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Monday that Nevada has been removed from the Trump administration’s public list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions after 17 sheriffs, under the leadership of Governor Joe Lombardo (R), recommitted to cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), honoring ICE detainers, and assisting in the arrests of illegal immigrants.
“When others cower, real leaders step up. I applaud the Nevada Sheriffs’ & Chiefs’ Association and Governor [Lombardo] for their commitment to working with [ICE] to protect American citizens from dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” Noem said in a social media post. “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.”
In August, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions, which included Nevada and 11 other states. In a letter to Noem, the sheriffs of Carson City, Las Vegas, and Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Esmerelda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine Counties confirmed that their offices will cooperate with ICE in matters of immigration law enforcement. “We are committed to ensuring our jurisdictions are in full compliance with federal and state laws, especially when it comes to immigration enforcement actions in support of the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts,” the sheriffs wrote. “Our commitment is to serve and protect the communities of Nevada, prioritizing public safety and professionalism. Sheriffs of NV and NV Sheriffs’ and Chiefs’ Association shares federal law enforcement’s zero tolerance policy for criminals endangering Nevada communities.”
Baltimore County in Maryland also rescinded “sanctuary” policies in an effort to be removed from the DOJ’s list. County officials signed a memorandum of understanding late last month pledging to cooperate with ICE, although state leadership still largely opposes the president’s immigration agenda. “Despite restrictions from state leadership, Baltimore County has shown a willingness to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said in a statement. “This is a small step toward restoring public safety and we appreciate the county’s commitment to updating its policies.”
Since signing the memorandum, Baltimore County has been removed from the DOJ’s list. According to a report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), Maryland released nearly 400 illegal immigrants from jails and prisons between October 1 of 2022 and February 6 of 2025, including at least one illegal immigrant released from the Baltimore County Detention Center despite having a homicide conviction or charge. Maryland’s Gaithersburg Police Department and Howard County Detention Center also both released illegal immigrants who had either homicide convictions or homicide charges.
Earlier this year, Mayor Craig Greenberg (D) of Louisville, Kentucky, also rescinded “sanctuary” policies, in the face of action from the federal government.
