Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed a suspension of federal funding to sanctuary cities, targeting jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The directive, issued on February 5, 2025, places a 60-day hold on Department of Justice (DOJ) grants while a review is conducted to ensure compliance with federal immigration laws. This move is part of a broader effort by the new administration to curb illegal immigration and enforce national security policies.
Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions that limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, often preventing police from sharing information about illegal immigrants or honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. Bondi’s order not only freezes existing DOJ funds but also blocks new grants and contracts to non-governmental organizations that provide services to undocumented immigrants. This decision follows previous Republican-led efforts to cut financial support to sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing that such policies endanger public safety and undermine national sovereignty.
Bondi has long been a strong advocate for stricter immigration enforcement. In her statement, she emphasized that taxpayer dollars should not be used to support cities that defy federal law. The suspension of funds is expected to put significant financial pressure on local governments that depend on federal grants for law enforcement and public safety programs.
This action aligns with other steps taken by the administration to combat illegal immigration, including increased border security measures and a renewed focus on deportations. Sanctuary city leaders have vowed to challenge the funding suspension, setting the stage for potential legal battles over the policy’s enforcement.
