This July 21, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, along with “border czar” Tom Homan, announced a plan to “flood Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents” into so-called sanctuary cities, especially in the wake of the New York shooting of an off-duty CBP officer. According to authorities, these places – which limit local cooperation with ICE – will no longer be “safe havens”.
Although Noem and Homan have linked these plans to an alleged increase in violence, there is no solid evidence directly linking sanctuary culture to higher crime rates. In fact, studies show that undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans. Homan stated in several interviews that they are looking to triple the ICE force in cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and others. This federal deployment is part of the “flood the zone” initiative, with aggressive operations in workplaces and migrant communities.
List of sanctuary cities under pressure
New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
San Francisco
Seattle
Philadelphia Philadelphia
Boston
(and several states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington)
This federal deployment is part of the 'Flood The Zone' initiative
Quéonnda.com
Local and legal reactions
Several of these cities have issued lawsuits against the federal government, arguing that the withdrawal of funds violates their rights.
In Los Angeles, hundreds of demonstrators protested after raids in June, leading to the deployment of the National Guard and Marines.
Louisville’s mayor withdrew his sanctuary policy to avoid federal sanctions.
In other cities such as Boston, ICE recognizes “collateral” arrests along with priority targets.
Legal context and recommendations
Buzzy
EO 14159 (Jan. 2025): firm executive order allowing mass use of expedited removals, penalties for sanctuary jurisdictions, and contraction of funds for them.
Judicial opposition: a federal judge temporarily blocked the withholding of resources to sanctuary cities, although the government will appeal.
What does this mean to you?
Raids at work or in homes: Know your rights: do not open doors without a warrant.
Contact ICE without charge: Ask for bond; consult with attorney.
Possible local militarization: Stay informed and support community groups.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
