Sanctuary and Resistance 2025: Evolving Strategies in an Uncertain Landscape

Between January and May 2025, the Soli*City Research Network and the Zolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility brought together people who care deeply about protecting migrants and refugees in the United States. Through five roundtable conversations, we connected municipal leaders, legal advocates, scholars, and community organizers from across the United States and internationally. What started as focused discussions grew into a network of over 120 people working together toward shared goals.These conversations created vital space for people to share what they were learning, reflect on challenges, and coordinate their efforts. Together, participants documented what the new federal administration was doing and tracked how states, cities, and community groups were responding. Panelists described alarming increases in anti-immigrant actions—including mass deportation plans, expanded ICE enforcement, and attempts to criminalize those who help immigrants. But the discussions also revealed powerful reasons for hope: the resilience and creativity that emerges when people work together. Communities are building stronger coalitions, cities are mounting legal defenses, and local organizations are creating more welcoming and inclusive ways to support everyone who needs help.This report is for the people on the front lines of this work: city officials, community organizations, legal advocates, and researchers who are committed to protecting migrant and refugee rights. We're also speaking to policymakers and funders who want to strengthen welcoming communities and ensure that human rights are protected where people actually live their daily lives. We're clear about our audience because this report has two important purposes: to give local communities practical tools they can use right now, while also influencing bigger conversations about migration and sanctuary at national and international levels.