In a striking decision that’s got progressive activists on edge, the Trump administration has officially pulled Nevada off its list of sanctuary jurisdictions, marking a victory for those championing federal cooperation on immigration enforcement.
This pivotal move, revealed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday, stems from Nevada’s leadership and law enforcement pledging to work hand-in-hand with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), overturning the state’s earlier label by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
For too long, Nevada sat on the DOJ’s roster of sanctuary localities, a term tied to areas where local officials often resist aiding federal immigration agents with detainer requests or enforcement efforts.
The shift started gaining traction earlier this year when Nevada GOP Gov. Joe Lombardo, a former sheriff in office since late 2022, took a hard line against sanctuary policies advocated by the state’s liberal Attorney General, Aaron Ford.
In February, Lombardo bluntly stated that Ford had no power to declare Nevada a sanctuary state, a stance he reinforced in September by openly rebuking Ford’s progressive proposals.
By August, Lombardo was persistently contacting the DOJ to challenge Nevada’s designation, while a letter from the Nevada Sheriffs’ & Chiefs’ Association affirmed that every sheriff’s office in the state was already aligned with ICE.
Dated August 7, that letter wasn’t mere rhetoric—it outlined how Nevada’s sheriff offices maintain clear policies promoting collaboration with federal immigration authorities, all openly posted on their websites.
Homeland Security Secretary Noem didn’t mince words in commending this united effort, giving credit to both the sheriffs’ association and Lombardo for taking a stand when political pressure might deter others.
“When others cower, real leaders step up,” Noem asserted. “I applaud the Nevada Sheriffs’ & Chiefs’ Association and Governor Joseph Lombardo for their commitment to working with ICE to protect American citizens from dangerous criminal unauthorized migrants.”
Noem’s declaration of Nevada’s removal from the sanctuary list wasn’t just praise—it served as a challenge to other states and cities to put public safety above political gamesmanship.
This action aligns with the Trump administration’s broader campaign against sanctuary jurisdictions, evident in lawsuits filed against major hubs like California, New York City, and Chicago for defying federal immigration laws.
Consider Louisville—after DOJ accusations, the city’s mayor announced in July they’d begin honoring ICE detainers, a subtle yet significant concession in this ongoing policy clash.
Meanwhile, in Nevada, Lombardo’s determination remains rock-solid, his words reflecting the conviction of a seasoned lawman now leading from the governor’s office. “Despite the Attorney General’s attempts to implement sanctuary policies, Nevada is not a sanctuary state, has never been a sanctuary state, and will never be a sanctuary state under my leadership,” Lombardo declared.
While some might dismiss this as political theater, it’s tough to overlook the larger message—when state leaders choose partnership over ideological posturing, tangible progress follows.
Nevada’s journey could well nudge other jurisdictions to reassess their resistance to federal cooperation, proving that prioritizing law and order isn’t just tough talk—it’s a path to real results.
