Sanctuary Cities: A Historical and Political Analysis

This chapter examines the history and evolution of sanctuary cities in the U.S., detailing the contentious roles of local law enforcement amidst shifting immigration policies from the Obama to the Trump administrations. It discusses the grassroots origins of sanctuary policies as a means of protecting immigrant rights, while also exploring the complex political dynamics and rising militarization linked to anti-immigrant rhetoric. Additionally, the chapter critiques the exploitation of tragic incidents involving immigrants for political gain, revealing the troubling intersections of immigration, crime narratives, and political strategy.