NO SANCUARY CITY

Keeping San Antonio Safe, Law-Abiding, and Not a Sanctuary City

Most of us just want to live in safe neighborhoods where laws are followed and everyone is treated fairly. When it comes to immigration, some cities choose to ignore federal laws by becoming what’s called a sanctuary city. That means they refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement—even when people break the law.

We’re not going down that road in San Antonio.

Here’s a plain and simple plan to make sure our city respects the law, protects our families, and stays off the list of sanctuary cities:

1. Follow the Law and Work with Federal Agencies

If someone is in this country illegally and commits a serious crime, we believe local law enforcement should work with federal immigration agents to handle it.

How we do it:

• When someone gets arrested for a major crime, local police should notify ICE and hold them until federal agents can step in—just like the law says.
• We’ll set clear rules so everyone knows how local and federal agencies should work together.

2. No City Policies that Block Immigration Enforcement

Some cities tell their officers not to work with ICE. That won’t happen here.

Here’s what we’ll do:

• We’ll make it official policy that San Antonio fully cooperates with federal immigration authorities—especially when dealing with criminals.
• We’ll prevent any local rule or policy that says law enforcement can’t hold or report someone who ICE wants to pick up.

3. Keep Law Enforcement Focused on Safety First

Our police should always put public safety first, not get tied up in politics.

What this means:

• Officers will protect everyone—but if someone breaks the law and is here illegally, law enforcement will act responsibly and lawfully.
• We’ll review all policies to make sure nothing encourages sanctuary practices by mistake.

4. Work Hand-in-Hand with State and Federal Leaders

We’ll stay in close communication with Texas state leaders and lawmakers in Washington to make sure we’re aligned with immigration laws and don’t lose important state or federal support.

How we stay connected:

• Cooperate with existing state laws like SB 4, which bans sanctuary city practices.
• Advocate for funding to support safe communities without crossing the line into sanctuary territory.

5. Talk to the Community—Build Trust Without Promoting Sanctuary Status

We know immigration is a personal topic for many families. That’s why we’ll continue to talk openly with the community.

What we’ll focus on:

• Hosting public forums and town halls to explain the law, answer questions, and listen to concerns.
• Reassuring immigrants that they can safely report crimes or ask for help without fear—as long as they aren’t involved in criminal activity.

6. Focus Local Government on Safety—Not Immigration Raids

We’re not turning local police into immigration agents. That’s not their job.

What they will do:

• Protect our streets and neighborhoods.
• Work with ICE when someone breaks the law—while supporting legal immigration and pathways for those who follow the rules.

7. Make It Official Through City Council

To remove all doubt, our City Council can pass a clear resolution saying San Antonio does not support or allow sanctuary city policies.

That means:

• No city departments, including the police, will be allowed to shelter or hide people from federal immigration enforcement.
• Everyone will know where the city stands—firmly in line with the law.

8. Be Smart About City Funding

Some cities choose sanctuary status and lose out on important federal funding as a result. We’re going to be smart and avoid putting our city in that position.

What we’ll do:

• Look for multiple funding sources—not just federal ones—so we don’t become dependent.
• Continue working with D.C. to make sure our law-abiding approach doesn’t affect our ability to serve the community.

In Closing: Fair, Safe, and Lawful for Everyone

We all want a city that’s safe, welcoming, and law-abiding. That means:

• Following immigration laws,
• Supporting law enforcement,
• And treating every resident with dignity—while standing firmly against becoming a sanctuary city.

San Antonio is better when we respect the law, protect our people, and work together.