Trump wants to cut funding to sanctuary cities and towns – but they don’t actually violate federal law
The Conversation3 days
DHS Puts Over 500 Sanctuary Cities on Notice
Above: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivers a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on May 27, 2025 in Rzeszów, Poland. Image copyright: Alex Brandon/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The Trump administration is exhausting every avenue to maintain law and order and protect citizens. The federal government could use the cooperation of local authorities. In cases where jurisdictions deliberately shield dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies, they will face repercussions from the federal government.
Democratic narrative
Sanctuary policies are legal measures that make communities safer by fostering trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. The federal government cannot legally coerce local authorities to use their resources for federal immigration enforcement, and attempts to withhold funding represent unconstitutional overreach that violates principles of federalism.