Overview

• The Trump administration has launched lawsuits and investigations against sanctuary cities, including Chicago, over policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the Department of Justice to withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions and prosecute local governments that obstruct immigration enforcement.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are among leaders defending sanctuary laws, emphasizing their compliance with federal law and their role in public safety.
• House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has called on mayors of major sanctuary cities, such as Boston, Denver, and New York, to testify about their policies in an upcoming hearing.
• Democratic-led states, including California and Massachusetts, have reaffirmed their commitment to sanctuary policies, while some local leaders, like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, have signaled potential cooperation with federal immigration authorities.