Mayor Scott Responds to Trump Administration's Sanctuary Jurisdiction Listing

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott responded to the Trump administration listing the city as a sanctuary jurisdiction, stating that Baltimore is not a sanctuary city due to lack of jurisdiction over jails. However, the city remains a welcoming place for immigrants and is committed to protecting their rights and dignity. Scott is exploring options to protect immigrant neighbors and city funding.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has responded to the Trump administration's designation of Baltimore as a sanctuary jurisdiction. The city, however, maintains that it is not a sanctuary city due to its lack of jurisdiction over jails. Mayor Scott has emphasized that Baltimore remains a welcoming place for immigrants and is committed to protecting their rights and dignity. He is exploring various options to safeguard immigrant residents and city funding.

The Trump administration's recent move has placed Baltimore on a list of over 500 jurisdictions deemed noncompliant with immigration enforcement. The administration has been applying pressure on these communities to cooperate more with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [2]. Baltimore's response highlights the city's stance on immigration, which is aligned with its commitment to community safety and support for all residents.

Mayor Scott's statement comes amid increasing tensions between the Trump administration and cities that refuse to fully cooperate with ICE. The administration has been working to enforce immigration laws more rigorously, including through executive orders that direct federal agencies to withhold funding from sanctuary jurisdictions [2]. Baltimore's refusal to fully cooperate with ICE has led to its inclusion on this list, but the city maintains that it is not a sanctuary jurisdiction due to its lack of control over local jails.

In response to the administration's move, Mayor Scott is exploring options to protect immigrant residents and city funding. He has called on the Baltimore City Council and other stakeholders to consider funding immigrant services such as legal aid, Know Your Rights education, and community defense. This move aims to ensure that immigrant families, who contribute significantly to the city's economy, receive the support they need [1].

The situation in Baltimore underscores the broader debate around immigration policy and the role of local governments. While the Trump administration has been pushing for stricter immigration enforcement, many cities and communities have been advocating for more inclusive policies that protect immigrant rights. Baltimore's response reflects this broader trend, as the city seeks to balance its commitment to immigration support with its legal obligations.

References:
[1] https://www.facebook.com/CASAforAll/posts/baltimores-budget-is-leaving-immigrant-families-behindmayor-brandon-scotts-budge/1129703522532350/
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/29/politics/homeland-security-public-list-jurisdictions-immigration-enforcement