A federal judge in California has ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to deny federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions. This decision came on Thursday from U.S. District Judge William Orrick, who found parts of President Trump’s executive orders unconstitutional. The ruling follows a lawsuit brought by San Francisco and several other cities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Judge Orrick issued an injunction that prohibits the government from withholding, freezing, or placing conditions on federal funds for these jurisdictions. He ordered the administration to inform all federal departments and agencies about the ruling by the following Monday.
The judge’s decision stems from an executive order that instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities. Another order directed federal agencies to ensure that payments to state and local governments do not support policies that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
During a hearing, lawyers for the Justice Department argued that it was premature to grant an injunction since no specific actions had been taken to withhold funds. However, Judge Orrick pointed out that similar arguments were made during Trump’s first term when a similar order was challenged in court.
Orrick noted that the fear of enforcement among local governments has intensified since 2017, referencing the executive orders and various lawsuits against cities like Chicago and New York. San Francisco previously challenged a similar order in 2017, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed that the president overstepped his authority.
Local officials praised the ruling. Tony LoPresti, counsel for Santa Clara County, stated that the court’s decision reinforces the ability of local governments to fulfill their responsibilities and maintain trust within their communities.
It remains uncertain whether federal agencies will comply with the ruling. On the same day, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reminded recipients of federal transportation funds that they must adhere to federal laws, including those related to immigration enforcement.
The term "sanctuary policies" generally refers to practices that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advocates for these jurisdictions argue that their policies help create safer communities by allowing immigrants to interact with local law enforcement without fear of deportation.
The lawsuit includes San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and the city of San José, along with 13 other plaintiffs, including cities like Seattle, Portland, and New Haven.