sanctuary city

American  

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

noun

1. 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.

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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

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

Jenni Hernandez attends Sacramento State — a campus that welcomes immigrants — located in a sanctuary city in a sanctuary state.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025

For example, Los Angeles could benefit from a citizens assembly on immigration to reinforce its 40-plus-year tradition as a sanctuary city, going back to conservative police chief Daryl Gates.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2024

Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a draft of a sanctuary city ordinance that was called for more than a year ago.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2024