2 News Nevada digital staff, February 26, 2025
Governor Joe Lombardo today responded to the Model Immigration Policies released by the Office of the Attorney General earlier this week.
“The Model Immigration Policies released by the Office of the Attorney General are currently under review by the Executive Branch. All affected state agencies will continue to comply with – and enforce – all applicable law.
“As the Attorney General has conceded, and as the governing statutes make clear, the Model Immigration Policies are non-binding and non-mandatory guidelines.
“Let me be clear: The Attorney General does not have the authority to make Nevada a sanctuary state or jurisdiction. As long as I am Governor, Nevada will continue to follow federal law.”
On Monday, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced the publication of model immigration policies, required by NRS 228.206 and 228.208.
Ford’s office says the policies reflect four key principles:
* Public safety — Nevada law enforcement officers should be focused on preventing and investigating crime in our communities, not engaging in unpaid and non- criminal federal immigration enforcement. If people in Nevada are afraid to interact with police based on fear of immigration enforcement, then our criminal justice system loses access to witnesses and victims will be deterred from reporting crimes.
* Prudent use of public money — Immigration enforcement and its funding is the responsibility of the federal government. The federal government is not entitled to free labor from our state public servants, who work diligently for Nevadans. Nevada’s money and time should be spent on Nevada.
* Focus on health, safety, education and justice — When police, court staff, teachers and health care workers are on the job, they should be able to focus on their primary responsibilities. When individuals fear seeking help from these entities, it threatens the very foundations of our public service systems.
* Fairness — Nevada’s government does not discriminate on race, ethnicity or national origin. Our public servants and public institutions must treat everyone fairly to comply with our constitutional mandate