Over 20 U.S. States Sue Trump Administration Over Threats to Cut Federal Funding to Sanctuary Cities

At least 20 U.S. states have filed lawsuits against former President Donald Trump’s administration over threats to cut federal funding in response to immigration policy disagreements.

“This is an outright illegal attempt to coerce states into adopting Trump’s immigration agenda,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The controversy stems from executive orders signed by Trump last month, which direct federal agencies to identify «sanctuary cities»—jurisdictions that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. According to a White House statement, these cities could face a loss of federal funding.

The threatened funding cuts reportedly include resources for disaster relief, flood protection, and critical infrastructure projects such as railways, bridges, and airports.

The first lawsuit, filed against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), challenges the constitutionality of tying funding to immigration policy compliance. A second lawsuit, aimed at Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Department of Transportation, targets potential cuts to vital infrastructure funding.

In response, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said, “Americans would be better served if Democrat attorneys general focused on prosecuting criminals and working with the Trump administration to address illegal immigration in their communities, instead of engaging in political theater”.