- The Department of Homeland Security published a list of hundreds of cities, counties and states (including California, New York and Illinois) accused of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
- These jurisdictions could lose federal grants and contracts under a Trump executive order (April 28) aimed at penalizing noncompliance with immigration enforcement efforts.
- The list spans 35 states and includes both liberal (e.g., NYC, San Francisco) and conservative-leaning areas (e.g., Boise, Nashville), setting up legal battles similar to those during Trump's first term.
- Sanctuary policies, which limit local police collaboration with ICE, are defended as fostering trust in immigrant communities but criticized by the administration as endangering public safety and violating federal law.
- Beyond funding cuts, the administration is restricting federal benefits for undocumented immigrants and targeting state laws (e.g., in-state tuition), escalating tensions between federal authority and local autonomy.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly identified hundreds of sanctuary jurisdictions across the U.S. that could lose federal funding for refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
The department disclosed these jurisdictions in a list released Thursday, May 29. It named cities, counties and even entire states – including California, New York and Illinois – accused of obstructing federal efforts to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. The list, mandated by an executive order (EO) from President Donald Trump issued in late April, escalates a long-running battle between the Trump administration and local governments over immigration policy.
The newly released list spans 35 states and the District of Columbia, encompassing liberal strongholds like New York City and San Francisco. However, it also includes traditionally Republican areas such as Boise, Idaho and Nashville, Tennessee.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned these jurisdictions in a statement, saying that "these sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens." The former South Dakota governor assured that she and Trump "will always put the safety of the American people first."
The high-stakes battle over sanctuary policies
The Trump administration contends that sanctuary policies, which limit local law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities, undermine national security and violate federal law. Trump's April 28 EO directs federal agencies to identify and potentially withhold grants and contracts from noncompliant jurisdictions – with DHS releasing the list in compliance with this order. (Related: Trump cracks down on sanctuary cities as leftist mayors protect criminal illegal aliens.)
The suspension of federal funding could strain budgets in cities already grappling with post-pandemic economic challenges. Legal battles are expected, as similar attempts under Trump's first term were partially blocked by courts. The EO also instructs DHS and the Department of Justice to pursue legal action against defiant jurisdictions, citing potential violations of federal statutes, including obstruction of justice and harboring undocumented immigrants.
Sanctuary policies emerged in the 1980s as a response to federal immigration crackdowns. Cities like San Francisco adopted measures to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Proponents argue these policies reduce crime by encouraging undocumented residents to report offenses without fear of deportation. Opponents, however, frame them as reckless defiance of federal authority. The latest escalation reflects Trump's broader immigration agenda, which has prioritized border security and stricter enforcement since his 2016 campaign.
Beyond funding cuts, the administration is tightening eligibility for federal benefits – including food stamps and Medicaid – for undocumented immigrants in sanctuary areas. The EO also targets state laws granting in-state tuition to undocumented students, alleging discrimination against U.S. citizens.
While the White House frames these actions as necessary to uphold the rule of law, civil rights groups warn of overreach and potential harm to vulnerable communities. As legal challenges loom, the release of the DHS list marks a new phase in the national debate over immigration enforcement – one that pits federal authority against local autonomy and tests the limits of presidential power.
Watch DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin pointing out that sanctuary cities have become havens for violent criminals in this Fox Business report.
This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.
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