Federal officials push legal boundaries in their latest confrontation with one of America's largest sanctuary cities.
According to AP News, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Chicago and Illinois on Thursday, claiming that their sanctuary laws obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The legal action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between federal authorities and sanctuary jurisdictions, coming shortly after the administration's threats of criminal charges and funding cuts against cities that limit cooperation with immigration officials. The lawsuit specifically targets Chicago's longstanding policies that restrict local law enforcement from sharing information about immigrants with federal agents.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, newly sworn into office, immediately moved to suspend Department of Justice grants to jurisdictions deemed uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement. This directive follows a pattern of administrative actions aimed at compelling sanctuary cities to modify their protective policies.
Previous attempts by the first Trump administration to withhold public safety grants from sanctuary jurisdictions faced significant legal challenges, with courts largely rejecting such measures. Legal experts note that sanctuary laws have consistently been upheld by courts, as they do not permit active interference with federal operations.
Immigration advocates anticipate a multi-pronged approach from the administration, including legislative initiatives and potential funding restrictions from various federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation. The strategy appears designed to create pressure on multiple fronts.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed the city's commitment to maintaining its sanctuary status, announcing plans to testify at an upcoming congressional hearing on sanctuary cities. Chicago has recently expanded its support for immigrant communities by organizing rights education programs and displaying information at transit stations.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded forcefully to the lawsuit, emphasizing the state's compliance with existing laws while criticizing the administration's approach. Cook County officials, including Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Sheriff Tom Dart, also defended their positions.
Democratic attorneys general from other states have begun mobilizing responses to the administration's latest moves. California's Rob Bonta and Connecticut's William Tong expressed readiness to challenge any attempts to unlawfully withhold public safety funding.
The lawsuit directly challenges Chicago's decades-old sanctuary protections, which were strengthened during Trump's first term in 2017. That same year, former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner expanded sanctuary protections statewide, breaking ranks with his party.
Immigration Hub co-executive director Kerri Talbot stated: "This is going to be an ongoing attack on all fronts and in multiple agencies."
Illinois Governor Pritzker's office responded with sharp criticism:
Unlike Donald Trump, Illinois follows the law. Instead of working with us to support law enforcement, the Trump Administration is making it more difficult to protect the public, just like they did when Trump pardoned the convicted January 6 violent criminals.
The Trump administration sued Chicago and Illinois over their sanctuary laws that limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed in Chicago's federal court, challenges policies restricting information sharing between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. The case's outcome could significantly impact sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide and shape the relationship between federal and local authorities on immigration enforcement.
