President Trump escalated his crackdown on so-called “sanctuary” policies early Wednesday, announcing that his administration will move to cut off federal payments to states and cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
“EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY FIRST, NO MORE PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STATES FOR THEIR CORRUPT CRIMINAL PROTECTION CENTERS KNOWN AS SANCTUARY CITIES,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post.
“ALL THEY DO IS BREED CRIME AND VIOLENCE! If States want them, they will have to pay for them! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” he added.
The announcement follows Trump’s Tuesday remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he criticized sanctuary jurisdictions for placing illegal immigrants—particularly those with criminal records—above the safety of American citizens.
“Sanctuary city” is a broad term used to describe jurisdictions that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities like ICE. These policies often limit when police can honor immigration detainers, share information, or assist in federal deportation operations.
Conservatives argue these policies create “safe zones” not just for illegal immigration, but for lawbreaking behavior that spills into surrounding communities and burdens taxpayers through higher policing, court costs, and social services.
The policy push is consistent with actions already taken by the Trump administration earlier in his term.
In April 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to identify funding streams that could be suspended or terminated for sanctuary jurisdictions, including grants and contracts.
The order directs agencies—working with the Office of Management and Budget—to “identify appropriate Federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions… for suspension or termination, as appropriate.”
Bondi’s warning to sanctuary jurisdictions
In August, Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters to sanctuary jurisdictions the Justice Department says are noncompliant with federal immigration law.
The states listed included California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, among others.
Bondi urged those jurisdictions to comply with immigration enforcement efforts—or risk losing federal funding, reflecting the administration’s broader position that taxpayer dollars should not subsidize policies that undermine federal law.
