...
By Sonam Sheth
Evening Politics Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A federal judge dealt a blow to President Donald Trump and his immigration agenda when she dismissed a lawsuit the administration filed against Illinois and Chicago over their sanctuary city policies.
Why It Matters
The Department of Justice sued the defendants in early February, alleging that their sanctuary city policies were hindering federal authorities from conducting immigration enforcement actions.
Read More on Politics
The lawsuit was the first one from the Trump administration against states or cities that have sanctuary policies in place. It was part of the president's broader effort to crack down on undocumented immigrants by ramping up deportations and tightening border security, both of which were cornerstones of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
...
What To Know
In her ruling Friday, U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins said she was dismissing the case because the U.S. "lacks standing" to sue the defendants "with respect to the Sanctuary Policies," adding that the lawsuit from the DOJ was an effort to encroach on state sovereignty.
The "Sanctuary Policies reflect Defendants' decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law—a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment and not preempted by the [Immigration Nationality Act]," Jenkins wrote. The Tenth Amendment centers around federalism, or the principle that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states remain with the states.
Jenkins went on to say that if she ruled in favor of the Trump administration, "it would allow the federal government to commandeer States under the guise of intergovernmental immunity—the exact type of direct regulation of states barred by the Tenth Amendment."
A White House spokesperson indicated to Newsweek that the government intends to appeal the ruling.
"The government — at all levels — has the duty to protect American citizens from harm. Sanctuary cities like Chicago interfere with federal immigration enforcement at the expense of the safety and security of Americans citizens," spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. "We look forward to ultimate vindication on the issue."
The Justice Department filed its 22-page lawsuit against Illinois, Chicago, Cook County and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker one day after Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a new directive about sanctuary jurisdictions.
In Friday's ruling, Jenkins also determined that the DOJ did not have a basis to include Pritzker as a defendant and ordered him dismissed from the case.
The DOJ's lawsuit against Illinois was part of a wide-ranging effort to target sanctuary jurisdictions and it has filed similar lawsuits against Los Angeles and New York City, both of which have sanctuary policies in place.
What People Are Saying
The DOJ said in its lawsuit against Illinois, Chicago and Pritzker: "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."
What Happens Next
Immigration is one of Trump's most hardline issues and the administration has appealed the vast majority of immigration-related rulings that have been unfavorable to the White House. The DOJ will also likely appeal Jenkins' ruling.
Update 7/25/25, 6:25 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines