Judge blocks Trump's sanctuary city funding cuts

Federal Judge William Orrick ruled on Aug. 23, 2025, that the Trump administration can't deny funding to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and 30+ other sanctuary cities. The decision protects hundreds of millions in federal grants.

The ruling found Trump's funding threats violate the Constitution's separation of powers and Spending Clause. Congress controls federal spending, not the president.

U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins dismissed Trump's 🌽Illinois sanctuary lawsuit on Jul. 25, 2025, using Tenth Amendment reasoning. The case was permanently dismissed Aug. 26, 2025, after DOJ failed to file an amended complaint. The Tenth Amendment prohibits federal requirements that states assist with federal immigration enforcement.

Cities argued that limiting ICE cooperation helps solve crimes by encouraging immigrant witnesses to come forward. Many police chiefs support these policies because they build trust with immigrant communities.

The decision shields grants for transportation, housing, and social services in sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. Trump promised appeals and said he'd pursue alternative enforcement through DOJ lawsuits.

Judge Orrick wrote 'Here we are again' when blocking Trump's 2025 funding cuts. Courts repeatedly blocked similar efforts during Trump's first term.

Sanctuary policies limit local cooperation with ICE but don't violate federal law. The Tenth Amendment protects states' right to choose non-participation in federal immigration enforcement.

Trump's 2025 executive orders largely repeat his 2017 actions that courts already blocked. The orders acknowledge extensive litigation from his first term.