Trump wants to cut funding to sanctuary cities and towns – but they don’t actually violate federal law
The ConversationMAY 23
DHS Pulls List of 'Sanctuary' Cities From Website
Above: Protesters holding signs gather at a local park as they rally to protect the District of Columbia as a sanctuary city, in Washington, DC, on April 4, 2025. Image copyright: ROBERTO SCHMIDT/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The Trump administration is exhausting every avenue to maintain law and order and protect citizens. The federal government could use the cooperation of local authorities. In cases where jurisdictions deliberately shield dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies, they will face repercussions from the federal government.
Democratic narrative
Sanctuary policies are legal measures that make communities safer by fostering trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. The federal government cannot legally coerce local authorities to use their resources for federal immigration enforcement and attempts to withhold funding represent unconstitutional overreach that violates principles of federalism.