Judge bars President Trump from denying federal funds to 'sanctuary' cities that limit immigration cooperation
Share this @internewscast.com

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge in California barred the Trump administration from denying or conditioning the use of federal funds to “sanctuary” jurisdictions on Thursday, saying that portions of President Donald Trump’s executive orders were unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge William Orrick issued the injunction sought by San Francisco and more than a dozen other municipalities that limit cooperation with federal immigration efforts.

Orrick wrote that defendants are prohibited “from directly or indirectly taking any action to withhold, freeze, or condition federal funds,” and the administration must provide written notice of his order to all federal departments and agencies by Monday.

One executive order issued by Trump directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to withhold federal money from sanctuary jurisdictions. The second order directs every federal agency to ensure that payments to state and local governments do not “abet so-called ‘sanctuary’ policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation.”

At a hearing Wednesday, Justice Department lawyers argued that it was much too early for the judge to grant an injunction when the government had not taken any action to withhold specific amounts or to lay out conditions on specific grants.

But Orrick, who was nominated by President Barack Obama, said this was essentially what government lawyers argued during Trump’s first term when the Republican issued a similar order.

“Their well-founded fear of enforcement is even stronger than it was in 2017,” Orrick wrote, citing the executive orders as well as directives from Bondi, other federal agencies and Justice Department lawsuits filed against Chicago and New York.

San Francisco successfully challenged the 2017 Trump order, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the lower court that the president exceeded his authority when he signed an executive order threatening to cut funding for “sanctuary cities.”

Plaintiffs were pleased with the judge’s order.

“At a time when we continue to see tremendous federal overreach, the Court’s ruling affirms that local governments can serve their mission and maintain trust with the communities they care for,” said Tony LoPresti, counsel for Santa Clara County, in a statement.

It’s unclear if federal agencies will abide by the order. On Thursday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a reminder to recipients of federal transportation funding that they are expected to follow federal law, including on immigration enforcement, or face potential consequences.

The department did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

There is no strict definition for sanctuary policies or sanctuary cities, but the terms generally describe limited cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE enforces immigration laws nationwide but seeks state and local help in alerting federal authorities of immigrants wanted for deportation and holding that person until federal officers take custody.

Leaders of sanctuary jurisdictions say their communities are safer because immigrants feel they can communicate with local police without fear of deportation. It is also a way for municipalities to focus their dollars on crime locally, they say.

Besides San Francisco and Santa Clara County, which includes a third plaintiff, the city of San José, there are 13 other plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which include Seattle and King County, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; New Haven, Connecticut; and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chilling image shows Idaho firefighter ambush suspect in war paint before deadly attack

Eerie Photo Reveals Idaho Firefighter Ambush Suspect in War Paint Prior to Fatal Assault

Authorities released an image from social media on Monday depicting the suspect…
Image of Cosmos 2558.

What Is Putin’s Space Agenda? Russian ‘Killer Satellite’ Launches Mysterious Probe Near US Spacecraft

A SECRETIVE Russian “killer satellite” deployed in space was detected launching another…
UFchild abuse pediatrician to resign following controversial custody case

UF Pediatrician Specializing in Child Abuse to Step Down After Disputed Custody Case

Dr. Barbara Knox is set to step down from her role at…
Why adults still living with their parents should get their own place — now

Why Adults Living with Their Parents Should Consider Moving Out Now

For the first time in a long while, renting may finally be…
Sen. Chris Murphy Says Quiet Part Out Loud About Democrat Socialist Mamdani and His Party

Sen. Chris Murphy Publicly Acknowledges Unspoken Truths About Democratic Socialist Mamdani and His Party

During an interview with CNN’s Kasie Hunt, Murphy was questioned about the…
Two Chinese Nationals Accused of Spying on US Navy

Chinese Nationals Charged with Espionage on US Navy

Here’s the latest development: The FBI has arrested two Chinese nationals who…
Industrial cereal plant multi-head weigher.

38-Year-Old Worker Tragically Dies in Factory Accident Involving Cereal Oven Used for Walmart Products

A FACTORY worker was killed in a horrific accident after getting stuck…
People fleeing in panic.

Dramatic Scene: Russians Flee Fireballs During Ukrainian Kamikaze Drone Attack on Putin’s ‘Gun City’

THIS is the dramatic moment Russians sprinted in terror as Ukrainian kamikaze…
Video shows what led up to Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that killed Marjay Dotson, injured Laquan McDonald's cousin

Footage Reveals Events Leading to Douglass Park Shooting in Chicago, Resulting in Marjay Dotson’s Death and Injury to Laquan McDonald’s Cousin

CHICAGO (WLS) — New video shows what led up to a deadly…
Screenshot of sanitation workers loading trash into a garbage truck during a strike.

Fears of Trash Overflow in Major US City as 10,000 Workers Go on Strike

TRASH pick-up has been paused in a major US city, and residents…
Beach scene with orange barriers and a white sheet near the water.

English Teacher Killed on Italian Beach by Bulldozer Driven by Drugged Operator While Collecting Shell

AN ENGLISH teacher has been crushed to death by a bulldozer driver…
CPS layoffs news: Chicago Public Schools eliminating jobs, including crossing guards to close projected $734M budget shortfall

Chicago Public Schools Job Cuts: Positions, Including Crossing Guards, Reduced to Address $734 Million Budget Deficit

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Public Schools faces a huge deficit that must…