Federal Immigration Law Remains Untested Against Sanctuary Policies
By Just the News Contributor | Just the News
DOJ has recently signaled interest in using the law – § 1324 – more aggressively. But as of early 2026, no prosecution of a sheriff or comparable official for detainer noncompliance has gone forward.
A federal law on the books makes it a crime to harbor or transport an illegal alien – punishable by up to a decade in prison. But the Justice Department has never used the law against the local officials and organizations most visibly defying federal immigration enforcement, despite years of escalating conflict over “sanctuary” policies.
Across the country, cities, counties and states have adopted measures that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under so-called "sanctuary" policies, local law enforceme...










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