Story perspectives

ICE Targets Sanctuary Cities Amid Rising Enforcement Operations

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Sandweg, former acting ICE Director, says enforcement cities are selected using data on criminal populations, immigrant population size, and sanctuary policies.
In 2025, ICE operations surged in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, cities with large immigrant populations and sanctuary policies.
Sanctuary jurisdictions vary in their cooperation with ICE.
As a consequence, ICE may increase presence in non-cooperative areas to pursue individuals with serious charges.

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Story summary

John Sandweg, former acting ICE Director, says enforcement cities are selected using data on criminal populations, immigrant population size, and sanctuary policies.
In 2025, ICE operations surged in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, cities with large immigrant populations and sanctuary policies.
Sanctuary jurisdictions vary in their cooperation with ICE.
As a consequence, ICE may increase presence in non-cooperative areas to pursue individuals with serious charges.