Homeland Security’s sanctuary jurisdictions list vanished from its website, prompting confusion and official clarification.

List Disappears After Just Days Online

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed its recently published list of so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” from its official website. The list, introduced last Thursday, named regions across 35 states and the District of Columbia that the department claimed were failing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

Visitors who attempt to access the page now encounter a “Page Not Found” error, with a note stating the page may have been “moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable.” The sudden removal has led to speculation and questions regarding its status.

In a response Monday, a senior Homeland Security official explained that the list is “constantly reviewed and can be changed at any time and will be updated regularly.” The criteria used to determine sanctuary jurisdictions, according to the official, include self-identification, noncompliance with federal law enforcement, limitations on information sharing, and legal protections for undocumented immigrants.

Secretary Noem Defends Policy Despite Backlash

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the continued use of the list in an interview over the weekend, stating that President Trump’s executive order mandates identification and coordination efforts to hold jurisdictions accountable. She asserted that some cities wrongly believe they are exempt based on local legislation, but still meet the federal criteria for sanctuary designation.

“They are giving sanctuary to criminals,” Noem stated. “They are not backing up our ICE officers, not honoring detainers, and not notifying us when dangerous individuals are released from court custody. That makes our job much harder in protecting Americans.”

Before its removal, DHS had written that all listed jurisdictions would receive formal notice of noncompliance and be urged to revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws. “DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies… to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens,” the department posted.

The rollout of the list sparked criticism and confusion among some local officials. In California, Huntington Beach was included despite actively opposing the state’s sanctuary law and adopting a resolution declaring itself a “non-sanctuary city.”

In Shawano County, Wisconsin, administrator Jim Davel called the county’s inclusion a clerical mistake. He suggested the administration confused the area’s declaration as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County,” which opposes gun control, with immigration-related sanctuary policies. Davel said the county has never adopted any protections for undocumented immigrants.

As of now, it remains unclear whether the sanctuary jurisdictions list will be reissued in its original form or revised significantly. Homeland Security has reiterated that the effort is ongoing, even as public scrutiny and pushback continue to mount.