Is your city next? How Trump’s shocking legal move could affect you
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In a move that has sent ripples across the nation, the Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a legal battle against one city.
This lawsuit strikes at the heart of sanctuary city policies, challenging the very fabric of how local and federal governments interact over immigration enforcement.
The GrayVine community, particularly those residing in or with loved ones in sanctuary cities, may be wondering: What does this mean for us? Could our city be next? Let's unpack the situation and explore the implications of this unprecedented legal action.
The US government filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and Cook County in a Chicago federal court on Thursday.
At the core of the lawsuit is the accusation that Illinois' sanctuary city laws are actively obstructing President Trump's immigration enforcement policies.
The DOJ's complaint cites a national emergency declared on Inauguration Day, aiming to dismantle several state and local laws that allegedly “interfere with and discriminate against” federal immigration law enforcement.
The DOJ claims that several programs initiated by these local leaders are hindering the federal government’s goals to enforce immigration laws, which they have been given the authority to do over states or city authorities.
Pritzker’s office told the team at Newsweek that “state law does make a way for federal agents to do their job.” At present, their office is crafting a response to the DOJ.
The Trump administration is focused on fulfilling its election promise of mass deportations of illegal immigrants, which has widespread support among bipartisan voters. During the peak of the “border crisis” during former President Joe Biden’s time, thousands of new arrivals were sent from border states to sanctuary cities.
Also read: A review: Executive Orders issued by Donald Trump in his first week
Johnson and Pritzker were both directly targeted by this lawsuit, together with Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling and other leaders and Cook County.
This filing comes after both leaders have reiterated their goal of continuing to protect illegal immigrants from deportation, for as long as they have not committed other crimes.
Last January 23, an announcement on Chicago City Hall was shared, saying that information screens across the Chicago Transit Authority’s network would provide details on what rights migrants had if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers stopped them.
"Upon information and belief, the conduct of officials in Chicago and Illinois minimally enforcing—and oftentimes affirmatively thwarting—federal immigration laws over a period of years has resulted in countless criminals being released into Chicago who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States," the filing stated.
The DOJ highlighted how more than 13,500 illegal immigrants were arrested by ICE officials from 2016 to 2025 in Illinois, together with 11,036 detainers submitted for individuals held by local law enforcement.
Some individuals were alleged or convicted of serious or violent crimes, with the complaint providing examples of when some individuals walked free because these detainers were said to be ignored.
However, following the DOJ’s filing, Pritzker also expressed that he wanted the violent, illegal immigrant criminals out of his state, matching with the Trump administration’s claim that these are the people they want to deport.
Also read: Trump’s first act in office could change everything – see what the Laken Riley Act is all about
The TRUST Act of Illinois, for example, delineates the roles of local and federal authorities, emphasizing that immigration is a federal civil issue. Local law enforcement is tasked with keeping communities safe, including cooperating in the arrest of known violent criminals when necessary.
The DOJ's lawsuit has sparked a flurry of responses. Governor Pritzker's office has defended Illinois' laws, asserting that they comply with federal law and prioritize police resources for fighting crime.
Mayor Johnson's office has reaffirmed Chicago's status as a welcoming city, prioritizing the safety and security of its residents.
Although local law enforcement has not necessarily assisted the ICE in Chicago, raids have still happened in the city, similar to other sanctuary cities like New York.
Source: KSDK News / Youtube.
On the other side, Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran has criticized the leaders, saying, “By continuing to obstruct federal immigration authorities from apprehending dangerous criminals being harbored in Illinois illegally, Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson are putting both law enforcement and Illinoisans at risk.”
A spokesperson for Governor Pritzker stated, “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. Illinois will defend our laws that prioritize police resources for fighting crime while enabling state law enforcement to assist with arresting violent criminals.”
"Chicago is and will remain a welcoming city, with welcoming people who work beside their neighbors to build strong communities where you can still raise a family. The safety and security of Chicago residents remains the priority for the Johnson Administration. Chicago will continue to protect the working people of our city and defend against attacks on our longstanding values." expressed Mayor Johnson’s office.
The legal battle is just beginning, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences. Mayor Johnson has agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C., on March 5, where sanctuary city policies will be scrutinized.
Also read: Trump's plans for America—What will change now that he’s president?
Have you experienced the impact of sanctuary city policies firsthand? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Join the conversation below but remember to remain respectful.
This lawsuit strikes at the heart of sanctuary city policies, challenging the very fabric of how local and federal governments interact over immigration enforcement.
The GrayVine community, particularly those residing in or with loved ones in sanctuary cities, may be wondering: What does this mean for us? Could our city be next? Let's unpack the situation and explore the implications of this unprecedented legal action.
The US government filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and Cook County in a Chicago federal court on Thursday.
At the core of the lawsuit is the accusation that Illinois' sanctuary city laws are actively obstructing President Trump's immigration enforcement policies.
The DOJ's complaint cites a national emergency declared on Inauguration Day, aiming to dismantle several state and local laws that allegedly “interfere with and discriminate against” federal immigration law enforcement.
The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and Cook County. Image source: KSDK News / Youtube.
The DOJ claims that several programs initiated by these local leaders are hindering the federal government’s goals to enforce immigration laws, which they have been given the authority to do over states or city authorities.
Pritzker’s office told the team at Newsweek that “state law does make a way for federal agents to do their job.” At present, their office is crafting a response to the DOJ.
The Trump administration is focused on fulfilling its election promise of mass deportations of illegal immigrants, which has widespread support among bipartisan voters. During the peak of the “border crisis” during former President Joe Biden’s time, thousands of new arrivals were sent from border states to sanctuary cities.
Also read: A review: Executive Orders issued by Donald Trump in his first week
Johnson and Pritzker were both directly targeted by this lawsuit, together with Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling and other leaders and Cook County.
This filing comes after both leaders have reiterated their goal of continuing to protect illegal immigrants from deportation, for as long as they have not committed other crimes.
Last January 23, an announcement on Chicago City Hall was shared, saying that information screens across the Chicago Transit Authority’s network would provide details on what rights migrants had if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers stopped them.
"Upon information and belief, the conduct of officials in Chicago and Illinois minimally enforcing—and oftentimes affirmatively thwarting—federal immigration laws over a period of years has resulted in countless criminals being released into Chicago who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States," the filing stated.
The DOJ asserts that sanctuary city laws have led to the release of criminals who should have been held for immigration removal. Image source: KSDK News / Youtube.
The DOJ highlighted how more than 13,500 illegal immigrants were arrested by ICE officials from 2016 to 2025 in Illinois, together with 11,036 detainers submitted for individuals held by local law enforcement.
Some individuals were alleged or convicted of serious or violent crimes, with the complaint providing examples of when some individuals walked free because these detainers were said to be ignored.
However, following the DOJ’s filing, Pritzker also expressed that he wanted the violent, illegal immigrant criminals out of his state, matching with the Trump administration’s claim that these are the people they want to deport.
Also read: Trump’s first act in office could change everything – see what the Laken Riley Act is all about
The TRUST Act of Illinois, for example, delineates the roles of local and federal authorities, emphasizing that immigration is a federal civil issue. Local law enforcement is tasked with keeping communities safe, including cooperating in the arrest of known violent criminals when necessary.
The DOJ's lawsuit has sparked a flurry of responses. Governor Pritzker's office has defended Illinois' laws, asserting that they comply with federal law and prioritize police resources for fighting crime.
Mayor Johnson's office has reaffirmed Chicago's status as a welcoming city, prioritizing the safety and security of its residents.
Although local law enforcement has not necessarily assisted the ICE in Chicago, raids have still happened in the city, similar to other sanctuary cities like New York.
Source: KSDK News / Youtube.
On the other side, Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran has criticized the leaders, saying, “By continuing to obstruct federal immigration authorities from apprehending dangerous criminals being harbored in Illinois illegally, Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson are putting both law enforcement and Illinoisans at risk.”
A spokesperson for Governor Pritzker stated, “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. Illinois will defend our laws that prioritize police resources for fighting crime while enabling state law enforcement to assist with arresting violent criminals.”
"Chicago is and will remain a welcoming city, with welcoming people who work beside their neighbors to build strong communities where you can still raise a family. The safety and security of Chicago residents remains the priority for the Johnson Administration. Chicago will continue to protect the working people of our city and defend against attacks on our longstanding values." expressed Mayor Johnson’s office.
The legal battle is just beginning, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences. Mayor Johnson has agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C., on March 5, where sanctuary city policies will be scrutinized.
Also read: Trump's plans for America—What will change now that he’s president?
Have you experienced the impact of sanctuary city policies firsthand? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Join the conversation below but remember to remain respectful.
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