sanctuary city

[ sangk-choo-er-ee sit-ee ]

noun

1. a city in which the local government and police protect undocumented immigrants and refugees from deportation by federal authorities:

   sanctuary cities where law enforcement cannot question crime suspects about their immigration status.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctuary city¹

First recorded in 1865–70 in the sense “place of immunity from arrest”; the current sense, in 1980–85; possibly related to “Cities of Refuge” named in the Bible in the books of Joshua, Deuteronomy, and Numbers

Example Sentences

Push to have Los Angeles declare itself a sanctuary city.

From Los Angeles Times

While McDonnell was before the City Council, several hundred activists gathered for a rally Friday morning in front of City Hall, calling for a new “sanctuary city” law that would bar city personnel and resources from being used in federal immigration enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

He was noncommittal when asked whether he would support a sanctuary city ordinance being pushed by some community groups and several council members to shield some immigrants’ deportation, saying simply that he would follow the law.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, he made headlines for saying politicians who support sanctuary city policies should be charged with crimes.

From BBC

Moreover, polls suggest his anti-immigrant sentiment is broadly shared—how many suburban pols will want to proclaim their sanctuary city status this time around?

From Slate