Sanctuary states limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Policies include prohibiting local law enforcement from asking about immigration status or detaining individuals for violations.
The sanctuary movement began in the 1980s, with faith-based groups aiding Central American asylum seekers.
11 U.S. states have sanctuary policies, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, New Mexico, and New York.
These policies aim to create safer communities where immigrants can report crimes without deportation fear.