Noem: Sanctuary Jurisdictions Declined 17,864 ICE Detainers
5th March 2026
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers Wednesday that sanctuary jurisdictions declined to turn over 17,864 illegal immigrants in local police custody to federal immigration authorities in 2025.
Noem provided the figure during a House Judiciary Committee hearing after Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asked how often Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers had not been honored last year.
“17,864 detainers were declined,” Noem said.
“Many of those people are out on the street, is that fair to say?” Jordan asked.
“That’s correct,” Noem responded.