Trump May Use Federal Funds Against Sanctuary Cities

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President Trump has the authority to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities and states, as established in his 2017 executive order. This move aims to combat illegal immigration and protect vulnerable Americans but faces legal challenges. A federal court ruled in 2020 that Trump’s order was lawful, paving the way for federal withholding. Sanctuary jurisdictions continue to resist these policies by restricting cooperation with immigration authorities.

Today, sanctuary cities like Florida no longer operate under such laws, marking progress. While Trump has emphasized border security and mass deportations, critics argue sanctuary practices often reflect political posturing rather than genuine enforcement of federal law.

Federal actions against sanctuary states could include legal prosecution of officials aiding illegal immigration. With ICE resuming deportation efforts, these measures will likely gain momentum in the coming weeks. The administration’s push to reinstate border security signals a broader strategy to address immigration challenges while using federal resources as a tool to enforce its policies.

Source: https://wjno.iheart.com/featured/brian-mudd/content/2025-01-23-qa-of-the-day-can-president-trump-withhold-funds-from-sanctuary-cities