The Trump administration is cracking down on sanctuary cities, with the Department of Justice suing Illinois and Chicago for shielding illegal immigrants from deportation. The lawsuit targets Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Cook County officials for blocking federal immigration enforcement and defying the administration’s mandate to remove criminal invaders from the country.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has already taken action, freezing federal funding for sanctuary jurisdictions. The DOJ argues that Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance and Illinois’ TRUST Act interfere with ICE operations by barring local officers from coordinating with federal agents. Prosecutors have made it clear that the administration will not allow state and local officials to ignore federal immigration laws.
The complaint outlines how Illinois and Chicago have refused to share information on illegal immigrants, preventing federal officers from removing criminals who pose a threat to public safety. The DOJ insists that local sanctuary policies violate the Constitution by impeding federal law enforcement from carrying out its duties.
Pritzker has pushed back, calling the lawsuit politically motivated and defending Illinois’ policies. Mayor Johnson has vowed to fight the case, stating that Chicago will continue welcoming illegal immigrants despite federal opposition.
The Justice Department has warned that legal action will escalate if Illinois and Chicago fail to comply. Federal officials have indicated that they are prepared to take further measures to ensure that law enforcement is not obstructed in carrying out immigration arrests.
The lawsuit marks a major step in President Donald Trump’s effort to eliminate sanctuary cities nationwide. With the DOJ demanding compliance, Illinois and Chicago now face mounting pressure to end their defiance of federal law.
