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The Trump administration has sued Chicago and Illinois, arguing that their sanctuary laws block federal immigration enforcement.
The lawsuit, which also targets Illinois, is the administration’s latest strike against cities and states that defy federal immigration enforcement. It follows threats of funding cuts and criminal charges against sanctuary cities, a clear message that Washington will not tolerate resistance.
“Chicago and Illinois officials have for years minimally enforced—or even actively blocked—federal immigration laws, resulting in countless criminals being released into the city who should have been removed from the United States,” the lawsuit states.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city’s legal team is reviewing the complaint and will respond accordingly.
“Chicago is and will remain a welcoming city, with welcoming people who work beside their neighbors to build strong communities where you can still raise a family,” Johnson said.
The lawsuit comes as Johnson prepares to testify before the House Oversight Committee on March 5, joining the mayors of Boston, Denver, and New York to defend their cities’ sanctuary policies. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) criticized those policies, saying they endanger public safety.
“Sanctuary mayors owe the American people an explanation for city policies that violate federal immigration law by releasing dangerous criminal illegal aliens back onto the streets,” Comer said.
This legal fight is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to clamp down on sanctuary cities. Last month, top officials visited Chicago to highlight increased immigration enforcement, including arrests made by “border czar” Tom Homan.
The lawsuit argues that Chicago’s laws prevent local officials from sharing immigration information with federal authorities, making it harder to identify and deport individuals who may be in the country illegally.
Chicago has been a sanctuary city for decades and strengthened its policies multiple times, including in 2017 during Trump’s first term. That same year, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, signed additional statewide protections.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker defended the state’s policies, saying Illinois has always complied with federal law.
“Unlike Donald Trump, Illinois follows the law,” Pritzker’s office said in a statement. “Instead of working with us to support law enforcement, the Trump administration is making it harder to protect the public—just like they did when Trump pardoned violent January 6 criminals.”
Cook County, which includes Chicago, is also named in the lawsuit. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reaffirmed the county’s commitment to being a “fair and welcoming community.” Sheriff Tom Dart said his office follows all laws but does not create immigration policy.
Immigration advocates warn that the administration will continue using legal and political pressure against sanctuary cities, including threats to cut federal funding.
“This is going to be an ongoing attack on all fronts and in multiple agencies,” said Kerri Talbot, co-executive director of the Immigration Hub.
The lawsuit signals another escalation in the long-running battle between the White House and Chicago over immigration policy—one that could have major consequences for sanctuary cities across the country.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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