In a new audacious move, President Trump has declared, “No more sanctuary cities!” as he made clear his intention to cut federal funding for them.
See the tweet below!
Critics claim sanctuary cities harbor criminals, while defenders say they protect communities.
President Donald Trump, on April 10, 2025, announced his intention to sign an executive order halting federal funds to cities and states deemed sanctuary jurisdictions.
These cities, like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, are known for their protective policies towards illegal immigrants.
Trump asserts that these jurisdictions are prioritizing criminals over law-abiding citizens and degrading the country’s values.
Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, affecting sharing of critical information and adherence to detainment requests.
This friction often results in these cities disregarding crucial federal guidelines. Trump’s stance is clear: abide by federal mandates or face the consequences.
Legal confrontations are inevitable. Trump’s previous attempts to withhold funds were blocked in federal courtrooms, and similar legal hurdles are expected if he proceeds.
“There are many city attorneys and state AGs ready to mount legal challenges if the administration goes down this road again,” remarked legal expert Alan Berube.
Sanctuary laws have strong constitutional ground, complicating Trump’s aggressive endeavor.
“No more Sanctuary Cities! They protect the Criminals, not the Victims. They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump’s approach threatens to alter the financial landscape for cities significantly dependent on federal aid.
Cities like Boston, Seattle, and New York could encounter severe budget crises without this funding.
Democrat mayors swiftly oppose this move, pointing out the critical role of federal funds in education and homelessness alleviation efforts.
Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance is one example of the defiance against federal mandates in sanctuary cities.
It prevents local agencies from assisting federal immigration efforts without judicial consent.
Recent attempts to amend such policies to allow broader cooperation met resistance and were blocked by city councils.
“We don’t call anyone to our city. Folks that arrive in our city, we offer them the same access to services they may need to be successful. And if they break the law, we hold them accountable, we charge them and we prosecute them,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, cited by Newsweek.
For Chicago, the stakes are high. It receives significant federal funding, including $1.3 billion for public schools and nearly $2 billion for projects like the CTA Red Line expansion.
President Donald Trump said that he is working on “papers” to withhold all federal funding to sanctuary cities, a move that would hit finances from New York to San Francisco https://t.co/ibh5faOixO
— Bloomberg CityLab (@CityLab) April 10, 2025
