What are the Sanctuary cities in the US and what will happen to them after the new immigration policy

In USAimmigration policy has historically been a debate issue, especially around the protection of undocumented migrants in certain cities and states. Throughout the decades, various jurisdictions have taken measures to limit your cooperation with federal immigration agencieswhich has earned them the denomination of “Sanctuary cities”. However, these policies have been questioned by different federal governments, which seek a more strict application of immigration laws.

From the arrival of current governmenthave been announced mass deportations and measures for Force the collaboration of local authorities in the arrest of undocumented. Federal officials have warned that cities that refuse to cooperate will face sanctions, while those in areas with a large presence of migrants have begun to intensify. In this context, many communities have expressed concern about the possibility of a Most aggressive application of migratory policies.

The debate around these jurisdictions has revived a legal and political discussion about the limits of federal power and the right of states and cities to establish their own norms. While some local leaders insist that these policies improve public safety and protect the rights of residents, the Federal Government He has argued that interfere with the application of the law and put communities at risk, pointed out The New York Times.

The concept of Sanctuary City It does not have a universal legal definition, but generally refers to those jurisdictions that They limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The Washington Post points out that these policies may include the prohibition that the local police Ask about the immigration status of the arrested, the refusal to retain undocumented ICE request (Immigration and Customs Control Service) without a court order or the restriction of the use of municipal resources in migratory operations.

Sanctuary cities have their origin in movements of Protection to migrants that arose in the decade of the 80sin a context of humanitarian crisis in Central America. During that time, Thousands of people fled from armed conflicts in El Salvador and Guatemalaseeking refuge in the United States. Some churches began offering shelter to migrants who arrived without documents, in what was known as the Sanctuary, reported The New York Times.

San Francisco was one of the first cities in Institutionalize this protectionby testifying in 1989 that he would not use local resources to enforce immigration laws. The Washington Post He points out that, over time, other cities and states adopted similar measures, establishing policies that protected deportation migrants and limited cooperation with the federal government.

The sociologist Ernesto Castañedaby American University, explained to BBC World that the concept of sanctuary is symbolic because There is no federal law that prevents migratory raids in these cities. “It is not true that an undocumented person arrives there and asks for asylum and that they cannot deport it,” he said. This means that, although local policies can make ICE’s actions difficult, They do not guarantee an absolute armor against deportation.

Several states and cities in the United States have adopted sanctuary policies. THE New York Times mentions that California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington are some of the states with regulations that limit cooperation with ICE. In addition, cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles have promulgated ordinances that They prohibit the use of municipal resources to enforce immigration laws.

On the other hand, several states have implemented Anti -Santal Lawsthat force local governments to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Iowa are among the jurisdictions that have approved regulations that They restrict the autonomy of local governments in this area, according to The Washington Post.

From the beginning of his mandate, the current administration has promoted measures to harden immigration policy and increase deportations. One of the main axes of its strategy has been The elimination of protections for undocumented migrants in sanctuary cities and the application of Links in areas with high concentration of migrants.

The Washington Post He informed that Department of Justice has issued a memorandum in which Order to investigate and process to local authorities that They do not comply with the new migratory regulations. In addition, the government has threatened with withdraw federal funds to those cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE and other federal agencies.

Chicago has been one of the first cities to face ICE raidsalong with other cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Atlanta. The New York Times reported that multiple operations were carried out in recent days in these jurisdictions, with Federal agents looking for migrants with active arrest orders.

Sociologist Ernesto Castañeda explained to BBC World that the federal government is applying Direct pressure on local authorities so that collaborate with deportations. According to the expert, government officials have visited different cities for Supervise ICE offices and accelerate raids.

The New York Times He pointed out that many families have changed their daily habits for fear of deportation. Some have Avoid going to hospitals, reporting crimes or even sending their children to school. Community leaders have warned that the situation is affecting The education and emotional well -being of migrant children.