Trump Orders Nationwide List of Sanctuary Cities
The White House moves to spotlight and challenge jurisdictions resisting federal immigration enforcement.
President Trump signed a new executive order Monday directing the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to compile a public list of states and cities deemed “sanctuary” jurisdictions, escalating his administration’s crackdown on local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. (The Hill)
The order follows a major legal defeat just last week, when a federal judge permanently blocked Trump’s earlier effort to deny federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions. Still, the White House is signaling that it plans to keep immigration at the center of its political and legal agenda. (LA Times)
Administration Doubles Down on Sanctuary Fight
The Trump administration says the move is meant to expose jurisdictions that "obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws," with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt adding, “It’s quite simple — obey the law, respect the law, and don’t obstruct federal immigration officials.” (USA Today)
Legal Challenges on the Horizon
Legal experts say the new list is likely to face immediate court challenges, especially after U.S. District Judge William Orrick ruled last week that conditioning federal funding on immigration cooperation exceeds executive authority. (LA Times)
Political Strategy Takes Shape
On Monday, the White House showcased photos of dozens of recently arrested individuals alleged to be undocumented immigrants with criminal records, underscoring its broader 2025 strategy to highlight immigration enforcement. (USA Today)
Trump’s order aims to turn up the pressure on sanctuary cities—but it may face just as much pressure in the courts in the weeks ahead.
🧠 In today’s Pro Brief: What Trump’s executive order actually requires, what legal challenges are brewing, and how immigration controversies are shaping the political landscape for 2025 and beyond.
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