President Donald Trump announced that his administration will cut federal payments to sanctuary cities and states beginning February 1st, intensifying efforts to pressure jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Trump outlined the move during remarks at the Detroit Economic Club and reinforced it in a Truth Social post, asserting that sanctuary policies protect criminals and contribute to crime. “Starting Feb. 1, 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 said.
Sanctuary jurisdictions typically restrict local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration officials and, in some cases, provide services to illegal immigrants. The administration argues such policies undermine public safety and enable fraud.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have been directed to identify federal grants and contracts that could be suspended or terminated for jurisdictions deemed noncompliant. Bondi previously warned 32 sanctuary jurisdictions that failure to align with federal immigration enforcement efforts could result in funding losses.
The announcement comes as the administration faces legal challenges. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian temporarily blocked the federal government from halting certain subsidies, including childcare-related funding, in five blue states while legal proceedings continue. A separate ruling had also raised constitutional concerns over conditioning federal grants on immigration enforcement compliance.
Trump tied the funding cuts to alleged fraud, singling out Minnesota and criticizing Governor Tim Walz, whom he accused of overlooking misuse of federal funds. Separately, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to withhold funds for social service programs in Democratic-led states over alleged fraud, while states argue the administration lacks authority, prompting ongoing court challenges.
