Sanctuary Cities Harbor 8 Million Illegal Aliens, Analysis Finds

An estimated 8 million illegal aliens reside in sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States, according to a recent analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). These cities and states refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, creating significant challenges for border security and public safety.

CIS’s estimate is based on a broader analysis that places the total illegal alien population in the United States at roughly 14 million, meaning more than half are located in sanctuary jurisdictions. These jurisdictions often shield illegal aliens from deportation by limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Sanctuary states and cities serve as key hubs for illegal alien populations. According to CIS:

• California hosts an estimated 3 million illegal aliens, more than any other state.

• New York State houses around 868,000.

• Illinois is home to over 500,000, while Washington State has approximately 372,000.

While some states like Texas and Florida ban sanctuary policies statewide, many others either embrace these policies or allow individual cities to enact them.

Sanctuary jurisdictions have pledged to resist federal immigration enforcement under the incoming Trump administration. Democratic leaders in these areas are openly defiant.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy vowed to block state police from assisting federal immigration agents, even after federal authorities in Boston arrested illegal aliens charged with crimes such as child rape.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston hinted that city police might actively prevent federal agents from carrying out deportations. This comment came after the arrest of a Venezuelan illegal alien for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.

Tom Homan, tapped by Donald Trump to lead border enforcement efforts, has condemned these actions. He criticized sanctuary leaders for prioritizing politics over public safety and pledged to ramp up deportations regardless of local opposition.

Homan has made clear that the federal government will find ways to circumvent local obstruction:

• Illegal aliens will be arrested, detained, and deported, even if they reside in sanctuary areas.

• Cooperation with law enforcement outside sanctuary jurisdictions will be utilized, with detention space secured through partnerships with sheriffs across the country.

“Your number-one responsibility is to protect your communities,” Homan said, urging defiant leaders to resign if they refuse to enforce the law.

The proliferation of sanctuary policies underscores the growing divide between federal and local governments on immigration. While the Trump administration plans to restore law and order through strict enforcement, sanctuary jurisdictions remain determined to undermine those efforts, often at the expense of public safety.

This battle between principle and politics is set to intensify as the 2024 election approaches, with immigration enforcement remaining a top priority for the Republican agenda.

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