President Donald Trump has reignited a contentious feud with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over his threats to withdraw federal funding from sanctuary cities like Chicago. During a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump declared, “Starting February 1st, we’re not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens.” He posited that such cities foster fraud and crime, reiterating his administration’s stance that support for sanctuary policies will not be financially backed.
Chicago, alongside major cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, maintains its status as a sanctuary city by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, creating a robust environment for immigrants without legal status. This recent threat from Trump is a continuation of his administration’s previous actions, which included executive orders aimed at penalizing sanctuary jurisdictions. Notably, Chicago was among 66 cities that lodged a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding earlier funding threats in July.
In the context of this ongoing feud, the Justice Department last year identified a list of several states, cities, and counties deemed sanctuary jurisdictions, primarily governed by Democrats. Some of the notable names include California, Connecticut, and cities like Boston and New York, as well as Baltimore County in Maryland and Cook County, Illinois.
Mayor Johnson responded vigorously to Trump’s announcement, labeling it “blatantly unconstitutional and immoral.” He emphasized that the funds in question rightfully belong to the citizens of Chicago, pointing out the significant contributions Chicago residents make in federal taxes. In a determined tone, Johnson indicated that the city would not relent in its fight for these funds and hinted at a potential lawsuit in response to the President’s threats. “Chicago will never back down from a fight,” he asserted. “To the president, our message is simple: We’ll see you in court.”
This ongoing battle over federal funding not only illustrates the stark political divide in the country but also highlights the resilience of local governments in the face of federal challenges. It sets the stage for further legal confrontations as cities like Chicago continue to champion their sanctuary policies amidst heightened federal scrutiny.