Attorney General Aaron Ford’s Model Immigration Policies, released on February 24, 2025, are seen by conservatives as a thinly veiled attempt to turn Nevada into a sanctuary state, despite Ford’s denial. The policies restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in various settings, handcuffing law enforcement and potentially allowing criminals to roam free. Conservatives argue that the policies prioritize noncitizens’ fears over citizens’ safety and are a political move by Ford to align with progressive ideals.
The policies limit law enforcement’s autonomy, requiring officers to jump through bureaucratic hoops before assisting ICE with civil detainers. They also only allow notification to ICE in narrow cases, potentially letting lesser offenders back on the streets. Conservatives see this as a sanctuary loophole that risks public safety and goes against Nevada values. Additionally, the policies create a new taxpayer-funded bureaucracy to avoid helping ICE, which could strain Nevada’s resources.
Governor Joe Lombardo has made it clear that Nevada follows federal law, not Ford’s optional playbook. The clash between Ford and Lombardo highlights a power play between a Democrat AG and a GOP governor, leaving Nevada in a state of uncertainty. Conservatives believe that Ford’s policies are a Trojan horse for sanctuary ideals and urge Governor Lombardo to reject them in favor of prioritizing public safety and upholding Nevada’s conservative backbone.
