Gov. Lombardo: “Nevada Was Never a Sanctuary State—And Never Will Be”

The Department of Justice has confirmed what many Nevadans already knew—Nevada is not, and should never be, a sanctuary state. Governor Joe Lombardo announced Friday that Nevada is no longer listed among the dozen states with sanctuary designations, affirming the state’s full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Governor Lombardo made it clear that Nevada’s priorities are with the safety and security of its citizens, not political gamesmanship. “Despite the Attorney General’s attempts to implement sanctuary policies, Nevada is not a sanctuary state, has never been a sanctuary state, and will never be a sanctuary state under my leadership,” Lombardo declared. His stance highlights a critical point: when states fail to enforce immigration laws, they create dangerous environments where criminals can slip through the cracks, threatening public safety.

Attorney General Aaron Ford attempted to spin the situation by blaming Lombardo, pointing to fentanyl and opioid crises as his accomplishments. Yet Ford conveniently ignored the fact that weakening enforcement and floating model policies to limit cooperation with immigration authorities sends the wrong message—that Nevada would rather shield illegal immigrants than support law enforcement.

Some academics, like UNLV Assistant Professor Ben Leffel, criticized the decision as “the wrong move,” echoing the left’s soft-on-crime, open-border rhetoric. But ordinary Nevadans know better. This isn’t about “neighbors” who came here legally—it’s about ensuring criminals don’t exploit sanctuary loopholes to hide from accountability.

Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant cut through the noise, pointing out that Nevada’s laws haven’t changed—only Washington’s recognition that the state will enforce them. Her words reflect what many voters already feel: that sanctuary policies put American lives at risk, and common sense demands we stop pretending otherwise.

With Nevada officially reaffirming its role in upholding federal law, the message is clear—this state will not compromise public safety for political theater.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal