President Donald Trump announced early Wednesday that his administration will move to cut off federal funding to sanctuary cities and states, delivering on one of his most high-profile campaign promises.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the policy would take effect February 1 and would stop federal taxpayer dollars from flowing to jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“Effective February First, no more payments will be made by the Federal Government to states for their criminal protection centers known as sanctuary cities,” Trump wrote. He added that states choosing to maintain sanctuary policies would be responsible for covering the costs themselves.
The announcement comes just one day after Trump addressed the Detroit Economic Club, where he sharply criticized sanctuary policies, arguing they place illegal immigrants ahead of law-abiding American citizens. According to Trump, these jurisdictions often obstruct federal authorities—even in cases involving serious criminal offenses.
Sanctuary cities and states typically limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Some jurisdictions also extend taxpayer-funded services to individuals who are in the country illegally, a practice that has fueled years of political and legal debate.
Last summer, Attorney General Pam Bondi formally warned dozens of sanctuary jurisdictions that continued noncompliance with federal immigration law could lead to a loss of federal funding. Her letter identified 32 states and jurisdictions, including California, New York, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota.
Bondi cited an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this year directing the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, to identify federal grants and contracts that could be suspended or terminated if sanctuary policies remain in place.
The order has faced resistance in federal court. A U.S. district judge previously ruled that parts of the funding freeze were likely unconstitutional and issued an injunction blocking enforcement, arguing that new conditions could not be attached to certain existing grant programs. The judge was appointed during the Obama administration.
Despite the legal pushback, the administration has continued increasing pressure. The Department of Homeland Security recently released a public list of more than 500 sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide, stating that such policies interfere with immigration enforcement and raise public safety concerns.
Trump’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration has also sparked protests in several cities. Recent enforcement actions involving federal officers have drawn public scrutiny, though administration officials have maintained that agents acted in self-defense during those incidents.
Supporters of the president argue that cutting off funding is a necessary step to restore law and order and protect American communities. Critics, meanwhile, are expected to challenge the policy in court as the February deadline approaches.
For sanctuary jurisdictions, the message from the White House is clear: comply with federal immigration law—or prepare to lose federal funding.