US President Donald Trump has issued another threat to halt funding for cities like Chicago that are deemed sanctuary cities, sparking outrage among local leaders.
In remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump stated that starting February 1st, his administration will no longer make payments to cities or states with sanctuary policies in place. He claimed this move is necessary due to these cities' alleged failure to protect American citizens and instead protect "criminals" who entered the country without permission.
Chicago, along with other major cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, has implemented sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and offer greater protections for undocumented immigrants. This stance puts Chicago at odds with Trump's administration, which has a history of punishing sanctuary cities.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, denounced the decision as "blatantly unconstitutional and immoral." He vowed that the city will be relentless in its pursuit of the funds withheld by the Trump administration.
Governor JB Pritzker echoed Johnson's sentiments, stating that American taxpayers should not be treated like pawns. If Trump continues to threaten to withhold funds from Illinois, Pritzker said his administration is prepared to take legal action to protect their people's interests.
Chicagoans contribute billions of dollars in federal taxes yet are facing the possibility of having these funds withheld due to Trump's actions. The city's mayor pointed out that this move would be unfair and stressed that Chicago will not back down from a fight.
In response to the threats, local leaders have hinted at filing another lawsuit against the administration, which they believe is an overreach of executive power. As tensions between the Trump administration and sanctuary cities escalate, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved in the courts.
In remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump stated that starting February 1st, his administration will no longer make payments to cities or states with sanctuary policies in place. He claimed this move is necessary due to these cities' alleged failure to protect American citizens and instead protect "criminals" who entered the country without permission.
Chicago, along with other major cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, has implemented sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and offer greater protections for undocumented immigrants. This stance puts Chicago at odds with Trump's administration, which has a history of punishing sanctuary cities.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, denounced the decision as "blatantly unconstitutional and immoral." He vowed that the city will be relentless in its pursuit of the funds withheld by the Trump administration.
Governor JB Pritzker echoed Johnson's sentiments, stating that American taxpayers should not be treated like pawns. If Trump continues to threaten to withhold funds from Illinois, Pritzker said his administration is prepared to take legal action to protect their people's interests.
Chicagoans contribute billions of dollars in federal taxes yet are facing the possibility of having these funds withheld due to Trump's actions. The city's mayor pointed out that this move would be unfair and stressed that Chicago will not back down from a fight.
In response to the threats, local leaders have hinted at filing another lawsuit against the administration, which they believe is an overreach of executive power. As tensions between the Trump administration and sanctuary cities escalate, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved in the courts.