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
Judge says former Trump lawyer Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as US attorney in New Jersey

Judge Rules Ex-Trump Lawyer Alina Habba Illegally Practiced Law as a US Attorney in New Jersey

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A judge decided on Thursday that Alina Habba, who…
NY appeals court throws out $500M penalty against Trump in Letitia James civil case

New York Appeals Court Overturns $500 Million Fine Against Trump in Letitia James Civil Lawsuit

An appellate court has dismissed the $500 million civil fraud penalty imposed…
Putin issues formal demands to end Ukraine war after meeting with Trump: report

Putin sets conditions to halt Ukraine conflict post-Trump meeting: report

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently made his conditions known for halting military…
Another US military mini shuttle launches on a secret mission

US Military Launches Another Mini Shuttle on Classified Mission

Another U.S. military mini shuttle blasted off Thursday night to conduct classified…
Donald Trump Jr. speaking at a conference.

Donald Trump Jr. Questions Cracker Barrel’s New ‘Woke’ Logo as Share Prices Drop

CRACKER Barrel’s latest rebrand has stirred major controversy as the southern comfort…
Ghost wearing sunglasses and a party hat; text overlay: "Partying isn't dead. Pitch us your party. We'll pay for it."

Bar Introduces $5,000 ‘Slush Fund’ Scholarships as Gen Z Shows Less Interest in Partying

A BREWERY is fighting for your right to party by paying for…
Alert National Guard Members in D.C. Stop 'Potentially Life-Threatening' Situation (and That's Not All)

National Guard Members in D.C. Avert a Dangerous Situation (But There’s More)

On Thursday night, President Donald Trump personally visited and expressed his gratitude…
NOAA releases fall weather predictions for every state as La Niña looms

NOAA Shares Autumn Weather Forecasts for Each State as La Niña Approaches

(NEXSTAR) – This fall is looking pretty summery, if a new national…
Hannah Osborn with a 17th birthday cake.

Aunt Speaks Out After Teen Hannah Osborn’s Disappearance Led to a Nine-Day Search Following Her Unusual Snapchat Activity

THE aunt of the Arkansas teenager who went missing for nine days…
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family founder and advisor to 5 presidents, dead at 89

Dr. James Dobson, Founder of Focus on the Family and Presidential Advisor, Passes Away at 89

Dr. James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family Christian ministry…
Couple being interviewed about missing baby.

Father’s Abuse Years Ago Led to the Tragic Death of Emmanuel Haro’s Sister, Before His Unusual Disappearance at 7 Months Old

THE half sister of a missing seven-month-old reportedly suffered serious injuries at…
Man in red underwear lying on the floor at an airport gate.

Unusual Incident: Passenger Strips and Exposes Themselves to Shocked Tourists at Airport Gate, Gets Apprehended by Police

A PASSENGER gave stunned travellers a naughty striptease all the way down…