- Attorney General Pam Bondi, on her first day, directed the DOJ to pause federal funding to sanctuary cities, marking a hardline stance on illegal immigration and a significant shift from previous policies.
- Bondi's directive requires a 60-day review of existing funding agreements and calls for the termination of any agreements found to be in violation of law, with potential recoupment procedures.
- This move represents a return to the Trump administration's hardline stance on sanctuary cities and is likely to face legal challenges from sanctuary cities and their allies.
- Bondi plans to form a "Weaponization Working Group" to investigate potential abuses of power, reinstate the death penalty and enhance national security by dismantling drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
In a bold opening move, newly sworn-in Attorney General Pam Bondi has wasted no time in making her mark on the Department of Justice (DOJ). On her first day in office, Bondi issued a directive to immediately pause all federal funding to sanctuary cities, signaling a hardline stance on illegal immigration and a commitment to law and order. This decision is not only a victory for conservatives but also a significant shift from the policies of the previous administration.
Swift and decisive action
Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General and a vocal critic of sanctuary cities, has long argued that these jurisdictions, often led by Democrats, undermine national security and law enforcement. Her directive, issued just hours after being sworn in, orders the DOJ to pause the distribution of all federal funds to sanctuary cities and to reassess existing funding agreements with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide aid to illegal immigrants.
"The Department of Justice will ensure that, consistent with law, 'sanctuary jurisdictions' do not receive access to Federal funds from the Department," Bondi stated in her memo. "Consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, court orders and terms, the DOJ shall pause the distribution of all funds until a review has been completed, terminate any agreements that are in violation of law or are the source of waste, fraud, or abuse, and initiate clawback or recoupment procedures, where appropriate."
This move is a major reversal from the Biden administration, which had taken a more permissive approach to sanctuary cities. The pause on funding will last for 60 days, with a comprehensive report due to Bondi's desk within 45 days. The directive also explicitly states that the DOJ "shall not enter into any new contract, grant, or other agreement to provide Federal funding to non-governmental organizations that support or provide services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens."
Historical context and political implications
The concept of sanctuary cities has been a contentious issue for decades, but it gained significant traction during the Obama and Trump administrations. Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, often refusing to hold immigrants in custody for deportation or to provide information about the immigration status of residents. Critics argue that these policies create safe havens for criminals and undermine national security, while supporters contend that they help build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
President Trump's first term saw a series of executive actions aimed at defunding sanctuary cities, but many of these efforts were stymied by court challenges. The Biden administration reversed these policies, emphasizing a more compassionate approach to immigration. Bondi's directive represents a return to the Trump administration's hardline stance, and it is likely to face legal challenges from sanctuary cities and their allies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has been a vocal supporter of defunding sanctuary cities. "The idea that you would maintain a sanctuary city status and then cry out to the federal government for assistance in what you’ve done is, to me, unconscionable," Johnson told The Post in a 2023 interview. The House is expected to support Bondi's directive, potentially through legislation that would codify the funding pause into law.
Broader agenda for the DOJ
Beyond the sanctuary city funding pause, Bondi has outlined a series of sweeping directives that she plans to implement in her first days as Attorney General. These include:
- Combating the Weaponization of the Legal System: Bondi has announced the formation of the "Weaponization Working Group," which will investigate potential abuses of power by law enforcement agencies over the past four years. The group will examine high-profile prosecutions, including those led against President Trump, and other cases involving alleged political bias.
- Reinstating the Death Penalty: Bondi has directed the DOJ to lift the moratorium on federal executions and to pursue the death penalty in appropriate cases, particularly those involving violent drug trafficking crimes. She has also instructed the DOJ to re-evaluate instances where the previous administration declined to seek the death penalty.
- Enhancing National Security: Bondi is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dismantle drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations, reflecting a broader commitment to national security and the rule of law.
Bondi's memo also emphasizes the importance of DOJ attorneys adhering to their professional responsibilities, even if it means advancing arguments that may be politically unpopular. "The discretion afforded Justice Department attorneys with respect to those responsibilities does not include latitude to substitute their personal political views or judgments for those that prevailed in the election," the memo states.
Looking ahead
Bondi's first day as Attorney General has set the tone for a DOJ that is unapologetically conservative and committed to enforcing the policies of the Trump administration.
Her directive to pause funding for sanctuary cities is a clear signal that the new administration is willing to use all available tools to combat illegal immigration and protect national security. As the legal and political battles over this directive unfold, it is clear that Bondi is prepared to lead the DOJ with a firm hand and a clear vision.
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