Sarah Pierce
sarahpierce.bsky.social
Sarah Pierce
@sarahpierce.bsky.social
Director of Social Policy at Third Way; Former USCIS, HSGAC, & Migration Policy Institute. Views are my own.

https://www.thirdway.org/about/staff/sarah-pierce
The National Sheriff's Association's statement: sheriffs.org/sites/defaul...

Another article on the poaching efforts, some of which have included DIRECT EMAILS to officers with cash incentives: www.governing.com/management-a...
ICE Is Poaching Local Officers, Angering Some Police Chiefs and Sheriffs
A new ICE hiring drive with big signing bonuses is pulling state and local talent into federal jobs, straining departments already struggling to retain staff.
www.governing.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The National Sheriff's Association pushback was biting:

"[T]his list has not only violated the core principles of trust, cooperation, and partnership with fellow law enforcement, but it also has the potential to strain the relationship between Sheriffs and the White House"
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
For a smart look at both history and policy:
📰 NYT Magazine: “Trump, Sanctuary Cities & States’ Rights” nytimes.com/2025/10/17/m...
💡 My Third Way memo: “Sanctuary Isn’t What You Think" thirdway.org/memo/sanctua...
What Trump’s War on Sanctuary Cities Is Really About
nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
That's what I explored in my @thirdway.bsky.social memo: EVERY jurisdiction participates in federal immigration enforcement, but each tailors how to protect trust and keep people safe amid Washington’s overreach.
October 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
In so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions, police aren’t blocking ICE. They’re deciding how much to help, weighing public safety needs and limited resources — the same calculation any responsible department makes.
October 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The piece shows this tension isn’t new — it’s part of a long fight over who controls enforcement: Washington or local officials on the ground who know their communities best.
October 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Homeland Security Investigations has played a leading role in combatting human trafficking, but President Trump re-wrote the agency’s mission on day 1 to focus instead on his deportation quota.

This is not an administration that is serious about public safety.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/a...
Kristi Noem Says ICE Will Be ‘All Over’ the Super Bowl
www.nytimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Democrats should just start carrying Cava bags everywhere. Nonstop.
October 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM
This is a great piece throughout, but these are the numbers that will continue to live rent-free in my head:

"In 2017, [Homan] declared assets totaling a maximum of just $250,000 on his ethics disclosures...

By 2025, his net worth had grown to between $3 million to $9 million..."
October 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Bottom line—Sanctuary is a misnomer.

These jurisdictions are engaged in thoughtful, locally tailored participation designed to protect safety, resources, & trust—they shouldn't be subject to political theater.

Read my first piece with @thirdway.bsky.social here: www.thirdway.org/memo/sanctua...
Third Way
www.thirdway.org
September 30, 2025 at 6:43 PM
This piece reframes the debate:

⚖️ The question isn’t whether “sanctuaries” enforce immigration law—they do

The real question: Why does the admin shame jurisdictions that set reasonable limits on the time they divert from public safety priorities to carry out the fed gov's job?
September 30, 2025 at 6:43 PM