Sanctuary Cities and Federal Overreach: How Republicans Misunderstand States’ Rights

For decades, Republicans have been the self-proclaimed champions of states’ rights. But there’s a glaring inconsistency in this states’ rights narrative: the Republican war on sanctuary cities.

Photo by Ben Mater on Unsplash

Sanctuary Cities and Federal Overreach: How Republicans Misunderstand States’ Rights

For decades, Republicans have been the self-proclaimed champions of states’ rights.

The party’s rhetoric emphasizes the importance of keeping federal power in check, giving states and local governments the flexibility to govern according to the unique needs of their populations. Whether it’s pushing back on federal environmental regulations, healthcare mandates, or education policies, Republicans have long argued that the closer a government is to its people, the better equipped it is to serve them.

But there’s a glaring inconsistency in this states’ rights narrative: the Republican war on sanctuary cities.

What Are Sanctuary Cities?