Tompkins County leaders defend sactuary policies after Trump’s State of Union threat

ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County officials are standing firm in their commitment to sanctuary policies following President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address, in which he called for the abolition of sanctuary cities and threatened to withhold federal law enforcement funding from jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

In his Feb. 24 speech, Trump labeled sanctuary cities as havens for dangerous criminals and proposed severe penalties for public officials who obstruct deportations. Despite these threats, Tompkins County leaders reaffirmed their sanctuary status and vowed to continue protecting immigrant communities.

“Tompkins County remains committed to its welcoming status and will navigate any federal policy changes as they arise,” said Shawna Black, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. She emphasized the county’s intention to operate within its legal rights while maintaining transparent communication with residents.

Since 2017, Tompkins County has maintained a “Public Safety For All” framework that prohibits the use of county resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, except in cases involving criminal investigations, terrorism threats, or when federal agents present a judicial warrant. The county sheriff’s office does not participate in immigration arrests, does not honor ICE detainers, and holds individuals only for the duration of their local sentences, in accordance with state law and local policy.

County Administrator Korsah Akumfi noted that the president’s speech does not constitute a formal change in federal law or policy. “Federal actions on immigration enforcement or funding require formal legislative or administrative action, which the county will evaluate if they materialize,” Akumfi said.

The City of Ithaca also reaffirmed its sanctuary city status in February 2025, passing a resolution to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect residents’ access to reproductive and gender-affirming care.

Local leaders and immigrant advocates have challenged Trump’s characterization of sanctuary cities, citing studies that show sanctuary jurisdictions have lower crime rates and stronger local economies than non-sanctuary areas. A 2017 study by the Center for American Progress found sanctuary counties averaged 35.5 fewer crimes per 10,000 residents and experienced higher median household incomes and lower poverty rates.

Ithaca Welcomes Refugees Executive Director Casey Verderosa called Trump’s rhetoric “factually incorrect and socially irresponsible,” noting that immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated than native-born citizens. Verderosa also expressed concern that federal penalties against sanctuary jurisdictions could jeopardize essential public services for refugees and immigrants during their initial resettlement.

Despite federal immigration raids observed in and around Tompkins County, local officials maintain that their sanctuary policies foster community trust and public safety. Sheriff Derek Osborne said federal pressure would not affect collaborative crime-fighting initiatives funded by state grants.

“We do not experience many criminal matters locally involving immigrants,” Osborne said. “We rarely see an immigrant incarcerated in our local jail.”

As the debate over sanctuary policies continues, Tompkins County leaders remain resolute in their commitment to protect immigrant residents while upholding public safety and constitutional rights.

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