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
Former Lurie Children's patient returns to Streeterville, Chicago hospital, performs for staff with Vernon Hills High School choir

Former Lurie Children’s Patient Makes Heartwarming Return to Perform with High School Choir for Hospital Staff in Streeterville, Chicago

The tranquil harmonies of the holiday season filled the halls of Lurie…
Russian spies infiltrate UK on cargo ships to scout military sites, find weaknesses

Unveiled: Russian Espionage Operation Targets UK Military via Cargo Ships

Reports have surfaced suggesting that two alleged Russian spies discreetly infiltrated the…
Doctor warns against viral trend for fighting a stuffed nose

Physician Cautions Public on Viral Trend for Alleviating Nasal Congestion

Despite its trending status on TikTok, using garlic for stuffy noses is…
New Jersey elementary teacher charged with sexual assault of 9-year-old girl

Disturbing Allegations: New Jersey Teacher Faces Charges in 9-Year-Old’s Sexual Assault Case

A teacher from New Jersey has been taken into custody following accusations…
Far Rockaway man arrested for beating Queens homeowner during wild car meetup

Shocking Assault in Queens: Far Rockaway Man Arrested at Chaotic Car Meetup

Authorities have announced the arrest of a Far Rockaway resident involved in…
Opponents of Maine campus pro-life group invoke Charlie Kirk in social media threat : 'gotta be careful'

Maine Campus Pro-Life Group Faces Social Media Threats Citing Charlie Kirk: ‘Gotta Be Careful

A group of students at the University of Southern Maine (USM), who…
Omaha bystander flees gas station bathroom moments before armed man fires on officers

Omaha Hero Escapes Gas Station Restroom Before Armed Suspect Opens Fire on Police

An individual in Omaha, Nebraska, narrowly escaped danger by leaving a gas…
Bodycam footage shows Luigi Mangione cracking joke as swarm of cops closes in on him at McDonald’s

Watch: Luigi Mangione’s Unbelievable Reaction as Police Swarm McDonald’s – Caught on Bodycam!

The man accused of orchestrating the ambush shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian…
What time is the World Cup draw?

When is the World Cup Draw Scheduled to Occur?

The eagerly anticipated draw marks a crucial step in organizing the schedule…
Florida man from Colombia sentenced in Connecticut for helping steal $4.4 million in jewelry

Colombian Florida Resident Sentenced in Connecticut for $4.4 Million Jewelry Heist

A Colombian national, Jorge Giovanni Escobar Gonzalez, who most recently resided in…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: No red carpet for terrorists

Fox News Launches ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: A Firm Stance Against Terrorism

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter is your source for stories highlighting the…
Harvard professor detained by ICE after Boston synagogue shooting, agrees to voluntarily leave US

Harvard Professor’s Shocking ICE Detention: Voluntary Departure Follows Boston Synagogue Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that Immigration and…