U.S. District Court brings an end to the federal government’s Sanctuary City lawsuit against Rochester

Rochester, New York – A long-running legal dispute between the federal government and the City of Rochester reached a turning point this week after the U.S. District Court in the Western District of New York dismissed, without prejudice, the government’s lawsuit challenging Rochester’s Sanctuary City policy. The ruling effectively stops the current case, though it does not prevent future legal action. Still, city officials say the decision brings some much-needed clarity after months of uncertainty.

The case centered on Rochester’s status as a Sanctuary City, a designation the city adopted nearly four decades ago. Federal officials had argued that Rochester’s policy conflicted with federal immigration enforcement efforts, pushing the issue into the courtroom and raising questions about the limits of local authority. City leaders maintained throughout the process that the policy followed the law while protecting the rights of residents.

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Mayor Malik Evans responded to the dismissal with a clear message of relief and determination. “We are pleased with the dismissal of the current lawsuit,” said Mayor Evans. “The City of Rochester became a Sanctuary City in 1986, and remains committed to this resolution. The City intends to continue to fully comply with federal and state laws while vigorously preserving our local autonomy and rights under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”

Legal experts note that a dismissal without prejudice signals that the court did not rule on the underlying arguments but instead ended the current action. For the city, the outcome means it can continue operating under its long-standing policy while preparing for the possibility of future federal challenges. For residents, the decision removes immediate legal pressure and confirms that Rochester’s approach to local protections remains intact for now.

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City officials emphasized that the ruling aligns with Rochester’s long history of balancing legal compliance with community values. While federal immigration policy continues to shift from one administration to the next, Rochester’s position has remained steady, shaped by decades of local resolutions and commitments to constitutional principles.

For the moment, the case’s dismissal gives Rochester breathing room. What comes next may depend on whether federal authorities choose to revisit the issue. But for now, the city stands by its policy and its belief that local decisions should remain in local hands.