Trump’s DOJ Sues Chicago, Illinois Over Immigration Enforcement/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has sued Chicago and the state of Illinois, alleging that their sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit claims that local laws prevent cooperation with immigration agents, leading to the release of individuals subject to deportation. Democratic leaders in Illinois reject the accusations, arguing that their policies comply with the law. The lawsuit marks Trump’s latest crackdown on sanctuary cities, as Attorney General Pam Bondi also moves to cut federal funding for jurisdictions limiting immigration enforcement.
Trump Administration Sues Chicago Over Sanctuary Policies: Quick Look
- Trump’s DOJ filed a lawsuit against Chicago and Illinois, targeting their sanctuary city protections.
- The lawsuit alleges that local policies “thwart” federal immigration enforcement by preventing cooperation between police and immigration agents.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi has also ordered an end to DOJ grants for sanctuary cities.
- Chicago and Illinois leaders reject the claims, stating their laws comply with federal guidelines.
- Sanctuary policies have been upheld in past court rulings, but Trump’s administration is testing new legal strategies.
- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city leaders plan to testify before Congress next month on immigration enforcement policies.
Trump Administration Sues Chicago, Illinois in Latest Sanctuary City Crackdown
Trump Targets Chicago’s Immigration Policies
The Trump administration escalated its crackdown on sanctuary cities Thursday, filing a lawsuit against Chicago and the state of Illinois for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Chicago, claims that the city and state have:
- Minimally enforced federal immigration laws, allowing undocumented individuals to remain in the U.S.
- Restricted local authorities from sharing information with immigration officials.
- Prevented federal agents from identifying and detaining individuals subject to deportation.
Chicago and Illinois Defend Sanctuary Laws
Chicago and Illinois have some of the strongest protections for undocumented immigrants in the country, with laws limiting local police cooperation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
- Chicago has been a sanctuary city for decades, strengthening its laws under multiple Democratic mayors.
- In 2017, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) signed a statewide sanctuary law, putting Illinois among the most immigrant-friendly states.
- Current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have defended the policies, arguing they promote public safety by encouraging trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
“Unlike Donald Trump, Illinois follows the law,” Pritzker’s office said in a statement, adding that Trump’s policies make it harder to protect the public.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Intensifies
- New Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a directive cutting off federal funding for cities and states with sanctuary policies.
- Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan recently visited Chicago to showcase immigration arrests on live television.
- Trump’s first bill of his new administration, named after Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, requires mandatory detention of undocumented individuals accused of theft or violent crimes.
Legal Challenges and Public Backlash
Sanctuary laws have withstood multiple legal challenges in the past, with courts ruling that local governments are not obligated to enforce federal immigration policies.
- Previous attempts to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities were blocked by courts during Trump’s first term.
- Immigration advocates argue that sanctuary policies reduce crime by encouraging undocumented immigrants to cooperate with law enforcement.
- Studies have found no evidence that undocumented immigrants commit more violent crimes than U.S. citizens.
Despite this, Trump’s legal strategy appears focused on intimidation, with lawsuits pressuring cities to reconsider their policies.
What’s Next?
- Chicago and Illinois officials will fight the lawsuit in federal court, with expected support from civil rights and immigration advocacy groups.
- Mayor Johnson and other city leaders will testify before Congress next month on the impact of sanctuary policies.
- Trump’s DOJ will continue targeting other sanctuary cities, as the administration seeks expanded immigration enforcement nationwide.
With immigration a key issue in Trump’s second term, this lawsuit could set a legal precedent for federal vs. local authority on immigration enforcement.
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