sanctuary city

American

[sangk-choo-er-ee sit-ee] / ˈsæŋk tʃuˌɛr i ˌsɪt i /

noun

a city in which the local government and police protect undocumented immigrants and refugees from deportation by federal authorities.

sanctuary cities where law enforcement cannot question crime suspects about their immigration status.

Etymology

Origin of sanctuary city

First recorded in 1865–70 in the sense “place of immunity from arrest”; the current sense, in 1980–85; possibly related to “Cities of Refuge” named in the Bible in the books of Joshua, Deuteronomy, and Numbers

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I asked if San Jose was a sanctuary city.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

If an individual has been convicted of a serious or violent defense, then the New York City sanctuary city laws instruct cooperation with ICE.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2025

Many local politicians, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the state's governor, JB Pritzker, have continued to back sanctuary city laws, dubbed the "Welcoming City" ordinance here.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2025

For example, L.A. could use a citizens assembly on immigration to reinforce its 40-year tradition as a sanctuary city.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

It’s a sanctuary city where we defiantly hole up in peace.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023