Nevada Named Sanctuary State by DOJ: Gov. Lombardo’s Denial, AG Ford’s Policies Fuel Debate
Nevada found itself in the national spotlight yesterday (August 5, 2025), when the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) labeled it a "sanctuary state" in a report tied to President Trump’s Executive Order 14287—Protecting American Communities From Criminal Aliens. The designation, which accuses Nevada of limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, has sparked fierce debate and denials from state leaders. With one of the highest shares of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., Nevada now faces potential funding cuts and heightened political tensions.
The DOJ’s report lists Nevada among 13 states with policies that allegedly impede ICE enforcement, such as restricting information sharing or non-compliance with detainer requests. Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, rejected the label, stating on X, “Nevada is not a sanctuary state.” He pointed to Attorney General Aaron Ford’s February 2025 model policies, which limit immigration enforcement in schools, hospitals, and courthouses, as a possible trigger for the DOJ’s decision.
Ford, a Democrat, has consistently pushed policies and legal actions that align with supporting illegal immigration and sanctuary-like measures, despite his public claims of merely ensuring compliance with federal law. As a state senator in 2017, Ford co-sponsored SB 223, a bill designed to limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities, which critics argue would have cemented Nevada’s status as a sanctuary state had it not failed due to bipartisan opposition. In May 2025, Ford joined 19 other state attorneys general in two federal lawsuits against the Trump administration, challenging efforts to withhold billions in federal funding from states refusing to comply with immigration enforcement law. These suits targeted FEMA, DHS, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, DOT, and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. Further, in July 2025, Ford was among 21 Democratic attorneys general suing to block Trump administration restrictions on illegal immigrants’ access to federal programs and benefits.
Las Vegas also faced scrutiny earlier in May 2025, when DHS briefly listed it as a sanctuary city—a claim Mayor Shelley Berkley refuted, citing the city’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) program. Michael Kagan of UNLV’s Immigration Clinic called the label “vague,” noting that even conservative groups like the Center for Immigration Studies doesn’t classify Nevada as a sanctuary jurisdiction. The ACLU of Nevada argues sanctuary policies prevent constitutional violations, while increased ICE cooperation erodes trust in diverse areas like Clark County.
The "sanctuary" designation threatens Nevada’s federal funding, critical for Medicaid, education, and infrastructure. The DOJ’s report, warns of suspending grants to non-compliant jurisdictions. With undocumented immigrants comprising about 7% of Nevada’s population, cuts could strain state resources.
Nevada’s brush with the sanctuary label isn’t new. A 2018 initiative to ban sanctuary policies failed to reach the ballot, and while a 2014 report flagged Clark and Washoe Counties for limiting ICE detainers, a 2006 Congressional report found no sanctuary jurisdictions in Nevada. A 2019 court ruling forced Las Vegas to pause its 287(g) participation, fueling earlier sanctuary claims, though compliance later resumed.
The DOJ will periodically review its list, giving Nevada a chance to clarify or adjust policies. Lombardo’s office has already contacted the DOJ, signaling cooperation. However, potential lawsuits loom, as seen in recent DOJ actions against New York City. Funding cuts could force Nevada to reallocate budgets, impacting services statewide. The designation also sets the stage for a heated 2026 gubernatorial race, with Lombardo and Ford at odds over immigration policy. The outcome will shape Nevada’s fiscal and social landscape in the months ahead.
