On her first day as Attorney General, Pam Bondi issued a directive to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to halt federal funding to sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that decline to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies. This action aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to enhance border security and enforce immigration laws.
This move follows a 2020 court ruling that affirmed the DOJ’s authority to withhold grants from cities that refuse to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.
Sanctuary policies are in place in various cities and states across the nation, including New York City, Washington, D.C., California, and Colorado. These jurisdictions often do not honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests for individuals charged with crimes, thereby limiting federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.
Bondi’s directive is part of a series of initial actions aimed at reinforcing the rule of law and addressing issues related to illegal immigration. Other directives include establishing a “Weaponization Working Group” to review instances of politicized justice, urging prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain cases, and collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
This policy shift underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws and holding jurisdictions accountable for non-compliance.