DOJ sues Illinois, Chicago over ‘sanctuary city’ laws 
Share and Follow


President Trump’s Justice Department sued the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago and local officials Thursday over laws creating a sanctuary city. 

Accusing the officials of impeding federal immigration enforcement efforts, the Justice Department asked a judge to declare the state and local measures unconstitutional because of the federal government’s supremacy.

“The challenged provisions of Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County law reflect their intentional effort to obstruct the Federal Government’s enforcement of federal immigration law and to impede consultation and communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement officials that is necessary for federal officials to carry out federal immigration law and keep Americans safe,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Chicago, is one of the first major cases brought by the new administration’s Justice Department. It comes after the Senate on Wednesday confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi, who on her first day issued a memo restricting sanctuary cities from accessing Justice Department funds. 

It is part of a flurry of immigration-related actions in the first few weeks of Trump’s administration, including orders that restrict birthright citizenship and declare an invasion at the southern border. His Department of Homeland Security has also focused its deportation efforts on sanctuary cities. 

Among other provisions, the laws challenged in the new case prohibit officials from complying with federal immigration detainers and providing certain information about noncitizens.

The Justice Department’s lawsuit Wednesday adds to one previously filed by several Chicago-based organizations that support sanctuary cities, which seeks to block the administration’s immigration raids in the Windy City. 

The government’s case names as defendants the state of Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker (D), Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), the city’s police superintendent and other local officials. 

“Unlike Donald Trump, Illinois follows the law. The bipartisan Illinois TRUST Act, signed into law by a Republican governor, has always been compliant with federal law and still is today,” Pritzker’s office said in a statement.

“Illinois will defend our laws that prioritize police resources for fighting crime while enabling state law enforcement to assist with arresting violent criminals. Instead of working with us to support law enforcement, the Trump Administration is making it more difficult to protect the public, just like they did when Trump pardoned the convicted January 6 violent criminals. We look forward to seeing them in court,” the statement continued.

The Hill has reached out to Johnson’s office for comment. 

The complaint cites Pritzker’s comments on CNN late last month, when he said he’s eager to cooperate with federal immigration officials to “get rid” of criminals but questioned the basis for targeting undocumented migrants that are “law-abiding” and have integrated into communities. 

“In rejecting congressionally authorized means of enforcing federal immigration law, including detainers and administrative warrants, these provisions constitute unlawful direct regulation of the Federal Government,” the lawsuit states. 

Updated at 12:21 pm EST.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bishop's village attacked, 20 slain after recent testimony to Congress on Christian persecution

Trump Labels Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Due to Extensive Christian Persecution and Violence

In a significant announcement on Friday, President Trump declared Nigeria a “country…
'Deliver Me From Nowhere' is tanking because Bruce Springsteen is too dull for a biopic

Why Bruce Springsteen’s Biopic ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’ Isn’t Hitting the Right Notes

Well, it seems the Bruce Springsteen biopic, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,”…
Obama stumps for Dem candidates, says Trump is 'all tricks, no treats'

Obama Campaigns for Democratic Candidates, Criticizes Trump as ‘All Tricks, No Treats

On Saturday, former President Barack Obama rallied support for Democratic gubernatorial candidates…
UK police say 2 people remain in life-threatening condition after a stabbing attack on a train

UK Train Stabbing Leaves Two in Critical Condition: Police Investigate Violent Attack

British authorities have clarified that the stabbing incident on a train heading…
Michigan terror plot? Defense attorney still waiting on charges

Defense Attorney Awaits Formal Charges in Alleged Michigan Terror Plot Case

Federal authorities have remained tight-lipped following the FBI’s announcement on Friday about…
Wisconsin becomes the 36th state to limit cellphones in schools

Wisconsin Pioneers Student Focus: Cellphone Restrictions Now in Schools!

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin joined the growing list of states curbing…
Daylight saving time: When do clocks fall back in 2025?

Daylight Saving Time 2023: When to Set Clocks Back for the Fall Time Change

The semi-annual ritual of changing the clocks is just around the corner…
All avenues exhausted to avoid SNAP suspension: Ag secretary

Trump’s Strategic Maneuvering: Examining Every Possible Avenue as Government Shutdown Threatens

Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, millions of Americans are facing uncertainty as…