ACLU of Wyoming opposes anti-sanctuary city legislation

CHEYENNE (WNE) — For decades, Wyoming municipalities have had the right to make decisions about how to use taxpayer money and protect their residents, but House Bill 133 would eliminate that right, according to a news release from the ACLU of Wyoming.

The ACLU of Wyoming opposes HB 133, which is legislation that would prohibit towns, cities and counties in Wyoming from declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” and would require cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Like other “anti-sanctuary city” bills around the country, HB 133 would force local law enforcement to act like federal immigration agents, and it would punish towns and cities that choose not to do so by withholding all state and state-administered federal funds, the release stated.

“While there are no sanctuary cities or counties in Wyoming, local governments should not face reprisals for focusing on local community needs and using taxpayer money responsibly instead of helping to deport and detain community members,” said Antonio Serrano, ACLU of Wyoming advocacy director, in the release. “House Bill 133 will make immigrants feel less welcome in Wyoming. We will all be better off if the Legislature rejects this bill.”

This story was published on January 23, 2025.