Sanctuary Cities Save Lives and Cut Deportations, Despite Trump’s Crackdown

Sanctuary cities are not a new experiment. Their roots trace back to the 1970s and 80s, when places like Berkeley, California, refused to cooperate with federal efforts to criminalize refugees fleeing violence in Central America. Back then, the Reagan administration branded Salvadoran refugees as illegal migrants, but Berkeley’s sanctuary policies ensured these vulnerable people could access services without fear of arrest or deportation.

Today, amid the Trump administration’s violent immigration raids, sanctuary cities remain a critical line of defense for undocumented immigrants. These cities adopt two core policies: they do not ask residents about their immigration status when accessing local services and they limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE.

Research confirms sanctuary policies work. A 2020 study found that from 2010 to 2015, sanctuary cities cut deportations of people without criminal convictions by half. Contrary to right-wing fearmongering, these policies do not increase crime. In fact, a 2017 analysis revealed no link between sanctuary status and crime spikes; some sanctuary cities even experienced lower crime rates.

Economically, sanctuary cities thrive. Immigrants—documented and undocumented—are vital contributors to local economies, reducing government deficits by trillions over decades. Removing them threatens tax revenues, local businesses, and the social fabric of communities.

Experts like Benjamin Gonzalez O’Brien of San Diego State University emphasize that sanctuary cities put human dignity and community needs above partisan politics. David Bier of the Cato Institute highlights that these policies enable police to focus on violent crime rather than civil immigration violations, fostering safer neighborhoods.

While the Trump administration sought to weaponize immigration enforcement, sanctuary cities demonstrate that protecting immigrant communities benefits everyone. They are not just acts of defiance but practical, humane policies that uphold democratic values and economic stability.

For those fighting back against authoritarian overreach and racialized scapegoating, sanctuary cities offer a hopeful blueprint for resistance and resilience in an era of relentless attacks on immigrants.