Overview

• Attorney General Pam Bondi sent demand letters on Aug. 13–14 to 35 sanctuary jurisdictions requiring a response by Aug. 19 that confirms compliance and outlines steps to remove policies that impede federal immigration enforcement.
• The letters warn recipients that failure to comply may result in federal funding being conditioned or withheld, civil lawsuits and criminal charges against obstructing officials.
• Leaders in affected states and cities—including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Connecticut AG William Tong—have dismissed the designations as false or politically driven.
• Some jurisdictions have labeled the notices generic and signaled intentions to challenge the enforcement strategy in federal court.
• The dispute raises constitutional questions under anti-commandeering and Spending Clause limits and follows earlier DOJ litigation against Los Angeles and New York City.