News Summary
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot cut federal funding to Los Angeles and 30 other sanctuary jurisdictions due to their immigration policies. U.S. District Judge William Orrick issued a preliminary injunction, stating that the administration’s executive order is likely unconstitutional and infringes upon the separation of powers. This ruling expands protections for cities like San Francisco, Baltimore, and Chicago. Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the decision, while the White House is preparing to challenge it, arguing that sanctuary cities pose public safety risks and hinder federal immigration enforcement.
Los Angeles – A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot cut federal funding to Los Angeles and 30 other sanctuary cities and counties based on their immigration policies. In a significant decision, U.S. District Judge William Orrick issued a preliminary injunction that expands previous restrictions placed on funding cuts announced in April. This earlier order had already prevented cuts to 16 jurisdictions, including San Francisco and Santa Clara.
The judge’s ruling emphasizes that President Trump’s executive order to withhold funds is likely unconstitutional and infringes upon the separation of powers. The new injunction adds more than a dozen jurisdictions to the list of protected areas, including Alameda County, Berkeley, Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago.
The ruling has been seen as a victory by Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, who expressed that the court’s decision showcases the rights of Angelenos in opposition to federal policies. Meanwhile, the White House is preparing to challenge this ruling, stating they expect to prevail in an appeal. The administration’s focus is on protecting American citizens from perceived threats, as articulated by spokesperson Abigail Jackson, who underscored that sanctuary cities obstruct federal immigration enforcement and pose public safety risks.
This preliminary injunction serves as part of the ongoing strategy by the Trump administration, which seeks to compel sanctuary cities to aid in federal immigration enforcement. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously identified sanctuary jurisdictions, labeling them as those whose policies hinder compliance with federal immigration law.
Sanctuary policies do not prevent federal officials from enforcing immigration laws but often limit local cooperation with certain federal detainer requests and restrict access to immigration status information. Federal officials describe sanctuary jurisdictions as those that do not honor immigration detainer requests or assist with administrative warrants, limiting local law enforcement’s participation in immigration enforcement.
Judge Orrick characterized the executive orders aimed at withholding federal funding as “coercive threats,” asserting they sought to withhold all federal funds unless cities complied with the federal government’s requests. The Trump administration has actively pursued legal actions against several cities and counties as part of its broader mission to enforce immigration laws. This strategy has included both lawsuits and the deployment of National Guard troops.
In addition to the injunction, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Los Angeles, claiming that its sanctuary city law is illegal and undermines deportation efforts. The administration’s approach has sparked numerous lawsuits from various cities and states, alleging violations of local authority and the Tenth Amendment regarding local non-compliance with federal immigration enforcement.
This recent judicial decision reflects the ongoing conflict between federal immigration policy and local governance, as cities across the nation assert their rights to enact policies that align with their community standards and values. The legal battles surrounding sanctuary cities are likely to continue as both sides prepare for further appeals and challenges in the courts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Judge Blocks Racial Profiling in Immigration Raids
Mayor Bass Defends Los Angeles Sanctuary Policies Amid Lawsuit
Community Mobilizes in Los Angeles Amid Rising Immigration Raids
U.S. Department of Justice Sues Los Angeles Over Sanctuary Laws
Taylor Tomlinson’s Perfect Sunday in Los Angeles
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- ABC News
- CBS News
- The Guardian
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Sanctuary City
- Google Search: Sanctuary City Funding
- Google Scholar: Sanctuary City Policies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sanctuary City
- Google News: Sanctuary City Judge Ruling
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
