The Trump administration has sued Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois over sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, claiming these policies endanger public safety and violate federal authority.
Key Facts
- The Justice Department filed the lawsuit on Thursday, targeting Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance (2017) and Illinois’ Trust Act (2017), which restrict local officials from aiding federal immigration enforcement.
- Policies block police from detaining individuals based solely on immigration status and refuse ICE detainers, releasing illegal immigrants instead of transferring them.
- Newly confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Illinois leaders of prioritizing “illegal aliens over Americans” and vowed to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions.
- The lawsuit argues these laws “incentivize illegal immigration” and could escalate to the Supreme Court.
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The Rest of The Story
The lawsuit claims Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois actively obstruct federal immigration enforcement by refusing ICE detainers and releasing individuals wanted for deportation.
The Illinois Trust Act bars state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws, while Chicago’s ordinance prohibits arrests or detentions based solely on immigration status.
Attorney General Bondi, sworn in just one day before the lawsuit, immediately prioritized defunding sanctuary cities.
A DOJ official stated the case aims to “remove impediments” to deportations, arguing sanctuary policies invite illegal immigration by promising protection from federal law.
🚨 JUST IN: The Trump DOJ has just SUED the the state of Illinois and City of Chicago for interfering in ICE’s deportation operations, per NYP
Pam Bondi’s laying down the law, and this is the “first of MANY” lawsuits to be filed, per DOJ officials.
Sanctuary jurisdictions like… pic.twitter.com/XSnCmNmSdg
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 6, 2025
Commentary
Sanctuary policies undermine the rule of law and create dangerous loopholes that shield those who violate federal immigration statutes.
By refusing to cooperate with ICE, these jurisdictions risk public safety, allowing individuals subject to deportation—including those with criminal histories—to reenter communities.
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The Trump administration’s lawsuit reaffirms a fundamental truth: immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
States and cities cannot selectively disregard laws they dislike. Chicago and Illinois have effectively declared themselves above federal authority, fostering an environment where illegal immigrants receive more protection than law-abiding citizens.
Bondi’s swift action sends a clear message: defiance has consequences. Withholding federal funds is a necessary step to compel compliance.
Sanctuary jurisdictions drain taxpayer resources while prioritizing political agendas over national security.
This legal challenge also exposes the hypocrisy of leaders who claim moral high ground while flouting federal mandates.
If states can nullify immigration laws, what stops them from ignoring other federal statutes? The administration’s stance defends both constitutional order and the safety of American communities.
The Bottom Line
The lawsuit marks a pivotal clash between federal authority and local defiance, testing whether sanctuary policies can legally override national immigration laws.
By confronting Chicago and Illinois, the Trump administration reinforces its commitment to border security and accountability.
The outcome could set a precedent for curbing sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide—and redefine the limits of state resistance to federal mandates.
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Read Next
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