The Trump administration takes legal action against Illinois over sanctuary laws, igniting a fierce debate on immigration enforcement.
He’s doing more than ever to protect Americans against criminal illegal aliens.
At a Glance
- Trump administration sues Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County over sanctuary laws
- Lawsuit claims sanctuary laws hinder federal immigration enforcement
- Local officials defend policies, emphasizing community trust and public safety
- Legal battle centers on the conflict between state and federal immigration laws
Trump Administration Takes Legal Action
The Trump administration has initiated legal proceedings against Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County, challenging their sanctuary laws. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the lawsuit alleges that these laws impede federal immigration enforcement efforts. The administration argues that the Way Forward Act, TRUST Act, Welcoming City Ordinance, and Cook County Ordinance 11-O-73 violate the federal Supremacy Clause by obstructing efforts to detain and deport undocumented individuals.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) contends that these sanctuary laws have led to the release of criminals who should have been detained for immigration removal. The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge sanctuary jurisdictions through legal and political means, potentially using legislation and funding threats as leverage.
The Trump administration sued Illinois and Chicago, claiming their “sanctuary” policies prevent local officials from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.https://t.co/8cJk18BXE0
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) February 7, 2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have staunchly defended their sanctuary policies.
Because of course they did.
The two Democrats emphasized that their jurisdictions comply with the law while prioritizing public safety and maintaining community trust. Chicago, which has been a sanctuary city for decades, has recently strengthened its protective laws for immigrants.
“The safety and security of Chicago residents remains the priority. Chicago will continue to protect the working people of our city and defend against attacks on our longstanding values,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
Priority? They must be joking.
Governor Pritzker criticized the Trump administration’s approach, stating that it makes public protection more difficult. Cook County officials have also reaffirmed their commitment to being a welcoming community, despite being named in the lawsuit along with the county sheriff.
The Trump administration went to court Thursday to challenge sanctuary policies in the state of Illinois, Cook County and the city of Chicago that limit the powers of state and local police to assist federal law enforcement on immigration-related matters.https://t.co/2ihuMyUTNb
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) February 6, 2025
The lawsuit argues that local laws in Chicago conflict with federal laws by restricting information sharing and hindering immigration enforcement. It specifically targets the Way Forward Act and TRUST Act, which prevent state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance and Cook County’s Ordinance 11-O-73 further restrict local law enforcement from sharing information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Critics of the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement approach argue that it incites fear and spreads false crime claims about immigrants – but none of them ever stop to consider the fear and safety of the American people being tormented by criminal illegal aliens. Not to mention the people being killed by criminal illegals.
