Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has issued a response to Governor Joe Lombardo's recent remarks regarding model immigration policies published by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on February 24, 2025. Ford refuted Lombardo’s claim that his office is attempting to make Nevada a sanctuary state.
“Let me be clear: I do not support sanctuary policies. Period," Ford stated, addressing what he called false claims from the governor.
Ford explained that the legislature tasked his office with creating model policies to help entities understand their legal responsibilities concerning immigration enforcement. He emphasized that these guidelines are non-binding and not mandates, as per legislative requirements.
The attorney general also noted that law enforcement agencies must inform his office if they intend to adopt these model policies or create their own, a directive from the Legislature rather than his office. Ford assured that these policies do not protect criminals nor hinder cooperation with law enforcement but aim to enhance public safety.
“The Governor’s outrage would make more sense if these model policies were a surprise — but they aren’t,” said Ford. He highlighted that this initiative was directed by the Legislature and executed by his office accordingly.
Ford concluded by dismissing political posturing, stating, “My focus is on doing the job Nevadans elected me to do.”