The Trump administration is stepping up its efforts to punish jurisdictions that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A newly published list names cities, counties, and states, including Connecticut, as “sanctuary” jurisdictions. The list is part of an executive order signed by President Trump on April 28 and is tied to a broader effort to target communities that, in the administration’s view, do not do enough to help federal immigration enforcement.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we believe it’s critical for immigrants and their families in Connecticut and across the country to understand what this means, why it’s happening, and how it may impact your rights.
What Is a “Sanctuary” Jurisdiction?
The term “sanctuary city” does not have one legal definition. It generally refers to any state or local government that limits how much it cooperates with federal immigration authorities. This could include:
- Declining to hold immigrants beyond their release date on ICE detainer requests
- Refusing to share certain data with ICE about residents’ immigration status
- Limiting access to local jails and records
- Creating policies that protect undocumented residents from being targeted without due process
Connecticut, for example, passed the Trust Act in 2013 to prevent local law enforcement from holding individuals solely based on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant. That policy reflects a belief that local policing and immigration enforcement should remain separate.
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The Executive Order Behind the New List
President Trump’s Executive Order 14287 directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish a regular list of jurisdictions deemed to be “noncompliant.” These are cities, counties, and states that federal officials say are impeding ICE operations.
The order goes further. It calls for identifying federal grants and contracts that could be suspended or terminated in those areas. This is not just about immigration. It could impact millions of dollars in funding for education, public safety, healthcare, and transportation.
The message is clear: cooperate with ICE or risk losing federal support.
Who Is on the List?
The list includes dozens of jurisdictions across the country, some of which have long-standing reputations for defending immigrants’ rights. That includes entire states like California, New York, and Connecticut. It also includes major cities like:
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Boston
- Chicago
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- Denver
- Newark
In Connecticut, our state government and many municipalities have taken steps to protect undocumented individuals from being detained without due process or transferred to ICE without court involvement. These protections are now in the federal government’s crosshairs.
What Does This Mean for Connecticut?
This crackdown is not symbolic. It signals a real change in federal-local relations. It may mean:
- More pressure on local police departments to comply with ICE
- Greater ICE presence in our communities
- Increased immigration arrests at courthouses and local jails
- Cuts to federal funding tied to public safety and health services
In practice, this could lead to fear among immigrant families, fear of calling the police, showing up at school events, or seeking emergency medical help. Even individuals with legal status may feel the pressure if they live in a community that ICE targets for higher enforcement.
What Is the Trust Act and Why It Still Matters in Connecticut
Since 2013, Connecticut has had a state law known as the Trust Act, designed to place limits on how local law enforcement cooperates with federal immigration authorities. This law was passed in response to growing concerns that state and local police were being used as extensions of ICE, often leading to unnecessary detentions, broken families, and a deep erosion of trust within immigrant communities.
Under the Trust Act:
- Connecticut law enforcement agencies are not required to honor ICE detainer requests unless they are accompanied by a judicial warrant.
- The law prevents local police from holding individuals solely based on their immigration status or because ICE has requested it.
- In 2019 and 2025, amendments to the Trust Act further strengthened protections by limiting communication between law enforcement and ICE and by expanding the list of offenses that do not trigger cooperation.
For immigrants and their families living in Connecticut, the Trust Act serves as an important safeguard. It ensures that a routine traffic stop or court appearance does not automatically become a pathway to ICE custody. It also helps preserve the ability of immigrant residents to call the police when needed, without fear of being turned over to immigration authorities.
However, with increased pressure from the Trump administration and executive orders designed to penalize states like Connecticut, the future of laws like the Trust Act could face challenges. Federal authorities have already signaled a desire to reduce the power of local protections.
Now more than ever, understanding how the Trust Act applies to you can help prevent avoidable arrests or detainers. If you or a loved one is worried about how local police interact with immigration enforcement in Connecticut, we can help explain your rights and advise you on the safest next steps.
Your Rights Remain Intact
Despite this pressure campaign, your constitutional rights remain intact. Local and state governments do not have to blindly comply with federal detainer requests. ICE cannot force local officers to hold someone without a judicial warrant.
Here are some of the key rights that remain in place:
- You have the right to remain silent if approached by ICE.
- You have the right to refuse to open your door without a warrant signed by a judge.
- You have the right to legal representation.
- You are not required to share your immigration status with local police or federal agents.
Why Now? The Political Strategy Behind the List
This policy shift comes as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to increase immigration enforcement ahead of the upcoming election cycle. For months, federal agencies have rolled out:
- Interior ICE raids
- New visa bond programs
- Revival of rapid deportation rules
- Expanded surveillance and database sharing
By targeting so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, the administration is trying to link immigration policy to public safety concerns. But this is misleading. Studies consistently show that sanctuary policies do not lead to higher crime rates. In fact, they can improve community trust and cooperation with local law enforcement.
This is not about crime. This is about control. It is about making life harder for immigrants in every corner of the country, including right here in Connecticut.
How the Law Offices of James A. Welcome Can Help
We have seen firsthand how these changes create fear and confusion for immigrant families. Many of our clients are long-time residents of Connecticut, homeowners, workers, parents, students, who now worry whether their city or town will be punished for trying to protect them.
At our firm, we:
- Provide confidential legal consultations to determine your options
- Review past immigration violations or court orders
- Help file for relief like asylum, cancellation of removal, U visas, or DACA
- Fight unlawful detentions or expedited deportation orders
- Represent clients in immigration court across Connecticut and beyond
We have offices in Waterbury, Danbury, Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Hartford, and we serve clients throughout the U.S. Our team speaks Spanish and Portuguese.
If Your Town Is on the List, What Should You Do?
If you live in a city or state labeled “noncompliant” by the federal government, you may face increased ICE presence or policy changes. You should:
- Review your current immigration status
- Make sure all your documents are updated and accessible
- Consult a licensed immigration attorney about legal options
- Educate your family on what to do if ICE comes to your door
- Report any fraud, scams, or unlicensed legal assistance
Do not wait for a knock on your door. Be proactive. Know your rights and protect your future.
Final Thoughts
The Trump administration’s attack on sanctuary cities is not just about funding. It is a broader effort to criminalize immigration and punish those who stand in support of immigrant families.
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and access legal protection. This list is a political tool, but it does not change the fact that every person in this country deserves fairness, dignity, and a chance to be heard.
If you are worried about your state or city’s policies or your immigration status, we are here to help. Call us today at (203) 753-7300 or visit www.welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
