Poll Results

YES: 16% | NO: 84%

In this National Immigration Poll, we asked:

“Do you support sanctuary cities hiding illegal immigrants?”

This issue has been at the center of immigration debates for years. Sanctuary cities — municipalities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement — are praised by some as compassionate and protective, while others see them as obstacles to law enforcement and border security.

Here’s how voters responded:

• No – Don’t Support Sanctuary Cities: 84%
• Yes – I Support Sanctuary Cities: 16%

Why This Matters

Sanctuary city policies affect how immigration laws are enforced at the local level. In cities with these policies, local authorities often refuse to detain or report undocumented immigrants to federal agencies — even when there are active deportation requests or immigration holds.

The debate touches on core issues: states’ rights vs. federal authority, the rule of law, community safety, and how best to treat undocumented residents.

Arguments from Those Who Said “No – Don’t Support Sanctuary Cities”

• Undermining Federal Law:
  Respondents argue that sanctuary policies directly conflict with federal immigration enforcement, creating a patchwork of rules that allow some cities to ignore the law.
• Public Safety Risks:
  Critics cite cases where individuals with prior arrests or deportation orders were released under sanctuary policies — sometimes going on to commit additional crimes.
• Incentivizing Illegal Entry:
  Opponents believe that sanctuary policies encourage more unauthorized immigration by signaling that enforcement will be lax or avoided altogether in certain jurisdictions.
• Taxpayer Impact:
  Detractors say sanctuary cities strain public services such as schools, hospitals, and housing, and that local taxpayers bear the cost.
• Justice Should Be Uniform:
  Many believe the law should apply the same across all cities and states — not selectively enforced based on politics or local leadership.

Arguments from Those Who Said “Yes – I Support Sanctuary Cities”

• Community Trust:
  Supporters argue that sanctuary policies build trust between immigrant communities and local police, encouraging victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of deportation.
• Protecting Families:
  Many believe that sanctuary cities help protect families from being torn apart by sudden deportations, especially when children are U.S. citizens.
• Local Autonomy:
  Cities and states have a right to set their own policies, particularly when they disagree with federal enforcement priorities or methods.
• Moral Responsibility:
  Some view sanctuary policies as an act of compassion, particularly for undocumented immigrants who have lived peacefully in the community for many years.
• Focus on Serious Offenders:
  Advocates argue that enforcement should prioritize dangerous criminals — not otherwise law-abiding residents who lack legal status.

Conclusion

According to this poll, a large majority of respondents do not support sanctuary cities that hide or shield illegal immigrants from federal enforcement. For these voters, the issue is one of law, order, and consistency — not selective interpretation of immigration policy.

Still, the issue remains deeply emotional and politically complex, and it continues to play a defining role in national, state, and local immigration debates.