Trump Renews Funding Threats to ‘Sanctuary’ Cities, Setting Stage for Legal Battle
California and Los Angeles are bracing for another legal showdown with the federal government after President trump on wednesday revived threats to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. The renewed ultimatum, delivered via a Truth Social post and echoed in remarks at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday, puts as much as $175 billion in federal aid to California – roughly a third of the state’s projected 2025-26 budget – at risk.
The president characterized these cities as “corrupt” and accused them of harboring criminals. The Department of Justice last year identified numerous state and local governments as “sanctuary” jurisdictions, based on policies that restrict the use of local resources for federal immigration enforcement. These policies, though, generally do not prevent federal authorities from carrying out their duties, but rather limit the extent to which local law enforcement assists in those efforts.
California officials were fast to point out the governance’s previous attempts to withhold funding have been repeatedly blocked by the courts. In August, U.S. District Judge William Orrick ruled that the federal government could not deny funding to Los Angeles and 30 other cities over their immigration policies, extending an earlier injunction that found Trump’s efforts likely unconstitutional and a violation of the separation of powers doctrine.
Though, the outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain. A panel of judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals signaled in December that it might overturn the injunction, questioning whether the administration’s latest orders actually compel agencies to cut funding in a way that exceeds their authority. A final ruling on the appeal is currently pending.
State and Local Leaders Prepare to Fight Back
California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office stated Wednesday that they are prepared to defend the state’s interests. “While details here are in short supply, we’ll have to take a look at whatever the president actually does,” Bonta said. “We remain prepared to take action as necessary to protect our state and uphold the law.” bonta has previously successfully challenged the administration’s attempts to impose immigration enforcement conditions on funding for transportation, homeland security, and victims of crime assistance programs.
On Tuesday, Bonta announced a multistate challenge to the administration’s plans to freeze $10 billion in federal child care and social services funding, alleging the state was “illicitly providing illegal aliens” with benefits.
Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the latest threats with pointed criticism.”please pray for the president as he struggles with cognitive decline,” Newsom said in a statement. “He already forgot he tried this before – multiple times – and we sued him and won.”
Federal Funding at Stake and Congressional Response
The potential loss of $175 billion in federal funding would have a critically important impact on California’s budget, affecting critical services like healthcare, education, and transportation. The white House, though, has remained vague on the specific legal framework or dollar amount associated with the proposed cuts.
spokesperson Abigail jackson stated Wednesday that “sanctuary cities are incredibly perilous” and pose a risk to law-abiding Americans, adding that the administration is exploring “a variety of lawful options” to implement the policy.
The issue of executive overreach is also drawing concern from Senate Democrats. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) emphasized the constitutional role of Congress in controlling federal spending. “Let me be clear: Congress-not the white House and not donald Trump – holds the power of the purse,” Padilla stated.
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto confirmed the city would pursue legal action to protect its access to federal funds, while Mayor Karen Bass pledged to work with partners at all levels of government to ensure continued access to essential services for Angelenos. “Hardworking, honest Americans should not have to pay the price for the president’s continued political attack on blue states and cities,” Bass said in a statement.
The coming weeks will be critical as the administration clarifies its intentions and state and local governments prepare for what is likely to be another protracted legal battle over immigration policy and federal funding.
