The Department of Justice has taken decisive action against Illinois and Chicago, filing a lawsuit that seeks to dismantle sanctuary city policies. The Trump administration is targeting Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and other officials for refusing to assist in the deportation of illegal immigrants and defying federal law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi immediately acted upon taking office, ordering a freeze on federal grants for sanctuary cities. The DOJ now demands that Illinois and Chicago end their efforts to block ICE from removing illegal aliens who should not be in the country.
The lawsuit accuses Illinois and Chicago of intentionally obstructing federal agents from carrying out their duties. The DOJ states that the city and state have enacted policies that bar law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, creating an environment where criminal aliens can remain without fear of deportation.
Gov. Pritzker has defended Illinois’ actions, claiming that state law does not interfere with immigration enforcement. Mayor Johnson has dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that Chicago will not change its stance on sanctuary city protections.
The DOJ has made clear that the administration will not accept cities and states defying federal authority. Officials have stated that sanctuary policies place Americans at risk by protecting illegal immigrants who should be deported rather than shielded from law enforcement.
The lawsuit adds pressure to other sanctuary jurisdictions that continue to resist federal immigration efforts. With Mayor Johnson set to testify before Congress, the legal battle is expected to intensify as the administration pushes ahead with its nationwide crackdown.
