The District restricts Metropolitan Police Department cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibits honoring civil ICE detainers, and bars use of DC resources to investigate residents' immigration status.
DC Code 24-211.07, the Sanctuary Values Amendment Act, codifies longstanding mayoral orders barring MPD and the DC Department of Corrections from honoring civil ICE detainers, sharing release dates absent a judicial warrant, or interrogating individuals about immigration status. DC Public Schools, FEMS, and human services agencies follow parallel rules so residents can access services without fear of federal enforcement. Information-sharing is permitted only when a federal criminal judicial warrant or court order exists. DC also restricts ICE access to non-public areas of jails and city buildings.
MPD or DOC violating sanctuary rules face internal discipline and civil suits; private residents are not subject to penalties under this statute.
See how Washington's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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