DHS Warns Sanctuary Cities Could Defy Immigration Enforcement After Midterms

A dispute between federal immigration authorities and Seattle officials is drawing fresh attention to sanctuary city policies as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections.

According to Fox News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has asked Seattle to hold Leomar Alexander Lopez Zambrano, a Venezuelan national convicted on two counts of child molestation, until federal agents can take custody of him after his prison sentence ends.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin accused city officials of refusing to cooperate with the request, warning that Zambrano could be released into the community when his 15-month sentence is complete.

"Sanctuary politicians in Washington are refusing to honor the ICE detainer and hand this disgusting criminal over to us after he finishes his prison sentence," Mullin said in a statement.

The case comes as federal officials prepare for increased resistance from Democratic-led jurisdictions and potential congressional investigations under the next Congress.

Hans von Spakovsky, an immigration expert with Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital that sanctuary jurisdictions could become more aggressive in opposing federal enforcement efforts after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterms.

"I have no doubt that sanctuary jurisdictions will feel emboldened," he said.

Spakovsky also suggested Democrats could pursue impeachment efforts against border czar Tom Homan, whom he described as highly effective in carrying out immigration enforcement. He questioned whether such an effort would succeed but warned it could encourage local officials to resist federal authorities.

One concern for ICE is that some sanctuary jurisdictions limit communication with federal agencies, making it difficult for officers to know when an inmate is about to be released.

Mullin argued that Seattle's refusal to honor the detainer could prevent federal authorities from taking custody of Zambrano before he returns to the community.

DHS also defended detainer requests as an important tool for removing criminal illegal immigrants. The agency said seven of the country's 10 safest cities cooperate with ICE.

Concerns about sanctuary policies are also surfacing beyond the Pacific Northwest. Conservative commentator Dan Bongino pointed to Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa's opposition to sanctuary city restrictions while serving in the state legislature in 2017.

Spakovsky expects congressional Democrats to challenge immigration enforcement through government funding legislation, potentially seeking to restrict resources for DHS and the Justice Department. He questioned whether those efforts would succeed if they become tied to must-pass spending bills.

Asked whether the administration expects sanctuary cities to become more defiant, DHS referred to Mullin's response: "Deportations will continue."