Overview
- Announcing the move in Detroit, President Trump said he will stop federal payments to cities and states with sanctuary policies starting Feb. 1, arguing they shield criminals and foster fraud and crime.
- The administration has not detailed which grants or programs would be affected, with Trump saying, "You'll see," when pressed for specifics.
- The Justice Department has identified a roster of sanctuary jurisdictions, naming states such as California, New York and Illinois and major cities including New York City, Chicago and San Francisco.
- Federal courts have blocked similar efforts before, including a 2025 injunction by Judge William Orrick barring broad funding cuts and a Jan. 9 order by Judge Arun Subramanian temporarily preserving childcare subsidies in five states.
- New York and Chicago officials vowed to fight in court, as the administration highlights separate, targeted funding freezes tied to alleged fraud in Minnesota and other states that are already prompting litigation.