Democrats Brace for Mass Deportations in Sanctuary Cities

Democrat-run cities and states are experiencing growing uncertainty over how effective sanctuary policies, designed to combat deportations of undocumented immigrants, will be under President-elect Donald Trump's new administration, party insiders have told Newsweek.

One Democratic Party donor, who supports those vulnerable to federal immigration policies, shared unease within Democratic circles that sanctuary cities, where local governments limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, could be targeted.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the Democrat from California, meanwhile, suggested local law enforcement's lack of desire to look for undocumented immigrants could be more influential in stemming deportations than sanctuary cities' rules.

Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican from Louisiana, who has proposed legislation to prevent sanctuary states from offering Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants vowed:"We will close the border."

Why It Matters

Immigration is at the forefront of the new administration's agenda, with Trump having promised American voters he will conduct the largest deportation program in U.S. history starting on 'Day 1' of his second term.

Many Democrats see sanctuary cities as a human rights issue, but for conservatives the locations are often touted as safe havens for undocumented immigrants.

Democrats have been touting the strength of the unofficial sanctuary status, but Trump's resolve will likely provide a stress test in the coming four years.

Democratic Party insiders have concerns over how Trump's second administration will clash with Sanctuary Cities and states. Inset: President-elect Donald trump and his Border Czar Tom Homan) Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty

What They Are Saying

The Democrat donor, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear those he helps could be targeted, told Newsweek: "I cannot speak to the broader Democratic ecosystem but in my circles there is little doubt that sanctuary cities will be targeted.

"I believe it is too early to predict outcomes as there will be significant legal challenges. There is also the question of funding, as these removal programs will be expensive,"

The party insider also warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could first focus on "areas that offer less resistance to show early 'wins.'"

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, has proposed banning sanctuary cities and has unveiled a budget proposal that would mandate that local law enforcement fully comply with ICE detainers and notify officials 48 hours before releasing an undocumented immigrant who has committed a crime.

"Virginia is not a sanctuary state, and we must be clear that we will not allow localities to become 'sanctuary cities.' If local governments turn their backs on their citizens in order to pander to pro-illegal immigrant groups, we will cut off their funding," he said.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, the Democrat who represents Virginia's 4th congressional district, opposes Youngkin's plan. "Local law enforcement should be able to develop policies that foster trust with immigrant communities, enabling them to work together to prosecute crimes," she told Newsweek.

"The Governor's proposal substitutes his judgment for local law enforcement's in a way that exceeds their responsibility under federal law and undermines their ability to keep the public safe.

"That is why similar proposals have failed in the Virginia General Assembly, and why I expect this one to fail as well."

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the Democrat from California who sits on the House Judiciary Committee, told Newsweek in an interview that she was going to take Trump at his word on his immigration intentions.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren speaks during the last public hearing of the U.S. House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack in the Canon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. on, December 19, 2022.... MANDEL NGAN/Getty Images

"They've indicated that their intent is to deport terrible criminals. Honestly, the state of California is ready to cooperate on that," she said. "There's never been a provision of law in California or any statement that they would prevent cooperation with deportation of serious [criminals]."

Lofgren said workplace raids would be necessary to achieve the 11 million deportations the GOP seeks, as would going after those in the U.S. under programs like Temporary Protected Status, many of whom will be living in sanctuary cities and states.

"A lot of the employers in agriculture are in denial, they don't believe that there will actually be enforcement," she said.

The congresswoman said that there is a law allowing expedited removals of those who have been in the U.S. less than two years who live within 200 miles of the border, which includes the coast.

When asked how much sanctuary rules could stand in ICE's way, Lofgren responded: "not much," but she said local law enforcement generally did not want to spend its time looking for undocumented immigrants.

ICE spokesperson Mike Alvarez said the agency's mission is to remove noncitizens who undermine public safety and immigration laws.

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of noncitizens who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws," Alvarez told Newsweek.

Mike Faulk, press secretary for outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee, emphasized the state's commitment to defending its immigrant community.

"Gov. Inslee has done a lot to support Washington's immigrant community and fought federal overreach to protect them during Trump's first term," Faulk told Newsweek.

"The incoming governor, Bob Ferguson, sued Trump multiple times as attorney general on immigration-related matters and prevailed. Washington has the people and the vision to stand up to any unconstitutional actions by a second Trump administration."

Ferguson, Washington's newly elected governor, has a history of challenging Trump-era immigration policies. As the state prepares to transition to Ferguson's leadership, Faulk reiterated Washington's resilience in confronting potential threats to the rights of immigrants.

On the opposing side, Republicans are plotting to enact Trump's immigration agenda as they push stringent border security policies as a cornerstone of their legislative platform.

"We will close the border," Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican from Louisiana, told Newsweek.

"Part of securing the border and supporting President Trump's agenda means eliminating the incentives drawing people here illegally. That's why I introduced a bill to stop states that attempt to expand Medicaid coverage to illegal migrants."

Meanwhile, Trump's border czar Tom Homan has warned of potential legal actions and the suspension of federal funding, paving the way for a high-stakes clash as Trump prepares to take office on January 20.

"Sanctuary jurisdictions aren't going to stop what we're going to do," Homan told NewsNation in a December 26 article. "If they don't want to protect their communities, then the Trump administration will."

Newsweek has contacted the Trump-Vance transition team for comment.