Trump Officials Accuse DC Area Sanctuary Jurisdictions of Defying Immigration Laws

Key Takeaways

• On May 29, 2025, DHS listed over 500 sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide under Executive Order 14287.
• Jurisdictions face possible federal funding cuts and legal actions if they refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement.
• Local leaders argue sanctuary policies protect communities, while federal officials demand full cooperation with immigration law.

On May 29, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a sweeping list of more than 500 “sanctuary jurisdictions” across the United States 🇺🇸, including several in the Washington, DC area. This move follows President Trump’s April 28 executive order—Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens—which directs federal agencies to identify and publicly name jurisdictions that, in the administration’s view, are not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The DHS has formally notified each listed jurisdiction, warning of possible violations of federal law and demanding immediate changes to local policies. Federal agencies are now reviewing grants and contracts to these areas, with the possibility of suspending or ending federal funding.

This development marks a major escalation in the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, putting local governments, immigrant communities, and federal agencies on a collision course over the meaning and impact of “sanctuary jurisdictions.”

What Are Sanctuary Jurisdictions and Why Are They in the Spotlight?

Sanctuary jurisdictions are states, counties, or cities that, according to the DHS, limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This can mean refusing to hold people in jail for extra time at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), not sharing certain information about residents with federal authorities, or passing laws that protect undocumented immigrants from being reported or detained solely for immigration reasons.

There is no single legal definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction. The term is used by the federal government to describe any place that, in its view, does not fully help with federal immigration enforcement. Local leaders often argue that their policies are legal and are meant to build trust between police and immigrant communities, not to break federal law.

The Executive Order and the DHS List: What Changed in 2025?

President Trump signed Executive Order 14287 on April 28, 2025. This order requires the DHS to:

• Identify and publicly list all jurisdictions that do not fully comply with federal immigration law.
• Send formal notifications to these jurisdictions, outlining alleged violations and demanding policy changes.
• Work with the Office of Management and Budget to review and possibly suspend or end federal grants and contracts to noncompliant jurisdictions.
• Empower the Attorney General and DHS Secretary to take legal action against jurisdictions that refuse to comply.

The DHS list, published on May 29, 2025, includes over 500 jurisdictions nationwide, with several in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Montgomery County, Maryland, is specifically named, but the full breakdown for the DC area has not been released.

How Are Jurisdictions Added to the List?

The DHS compiles its list based on several factors:

• Whether a jurisdiction has publicly declared itself a sanctuary.
• The level of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, especially ICE.
• The presence of local laws or policies that restrict information sharing or limit detentions requested by ICE.

Jurisdictions that meet one or more of these criteria are added to the list and receive a formal notice from the DHS.

What Happens After a Jurisdiction Is Listed?

The process for jurisdictions named as sanctuary jurisdictions involves several steps:

1. Notification: The DHS sends a formal letter to each jurisdiction, explaining why it is on the list and what changes are required.
2. Review: Local governments review the federal claims, often with help from legal counsel and state officials.
3. Response: Jurisdictions can choose to:
   • Change their policies to comply with federal demands,
   • Challenge the designation in court,
   • Or maintain their current practices and prepare for possible loss of federal funding.
4. Federal Action: If a jurisdiction does not comply, the Attorney General and DHS Secretary may start legal action or move to suspend or end federal grants and contracts.

What’s at Stake: Federal Funding and Community Impact

Federal Funding at Risk:
Jurisdictions on the DHS list face the possible loss of federal grants and contracts. These funds often support public safety, health, education, and social services. Losing them could have serious effects on local budgets and the services available to all residents, not just immigrants.

Community Impact:
For immigrant communities, being in a listed jurisdiction can increase fear and uncertainty. Some people may avoid calling the police or using public services, worried that any contact with local authorities could lead to immigration trouble. This can make it harder for police to solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.

Legal Uncertainty:
Because there is no clear legal definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction, and because courts have previously limited the federal government’s power to withhold funds, many local leaders believe their policies are legal. They point to past court victories against similar efforts during President Trump’s first term.

Key Stakeholders: Who’s Involved and What Are They Saying?

Federal Leaders

• President Trump: Has made strict immigration enforcement a central part of his administration’s agenda. He signed Executive Order 14287 and has called for mass deportations and tougher action against sanctuary jurisdictions.
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens… Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”
• Attorney General Pam Bondi: Responsible for enforcing the executive order and leading legal action against noncompliant jurisdictions.

Local Leaders

• Montgomery County Executive: “We are not in violation of federal law, and we will not be making changes based on political headlines… We have always cooperated with ICE in cases involving violent crimes, serious felonies, and threats to public safety. That has been and remains our policy.”
• Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott: Stated that Baltimore is not a sanctuary city and is ready to go to court to protect federal funding and immigrant communities.

Legal Experts and Advocacy Groups

• Legal Experts: Note that the lack of a clear legal definition and previous court rulings mean there will likely be long legal battles. Courts have often ruled that the federal government cannot broadly withhold funds from local governments without Congress’s approval.
• Immigrant Rights Groups: Warn that these actions could harm public safety by making immigrants afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Sanctuary policies have grown over the past 20 years, mostly as a way for local governments to build trust with immigrant communities. Many local leaders believe that when immigrants feel safe talking to police, everyone is safer.

During President Trump’s first term (2017–2021), similar efforts to punish sanctuary jurisdictions were mostly blocked or limited by federal courts. Judges found that the federal government could not take away funds from local governments without Congress’s approval.

The new executive order, signed in April 2025, revives and expands these efforts. It calls for a more aggressive public listing of sanctuary jurisdictions and threatens funding cuts for those that do not comply.

Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for Stakeholders?

For Local Governments

• Legal Risks: Local leaders must review their policies and decide whether to change them, fight the designation in court, or risk losing federal funds.
• Budget Concerns: The possible loss of federal money could force cuts to important programs, affecting all residents.
• Public Messaging: Local officials must explain their policies to the public and reassure both immigrant and non-immigrant residents.

For Immigrant Communities

• Increased Fear: Many immigrants may worry about being targeted, even if they have not committed any crimes.
• Less Cooperation with Police: Fear of deportation may make people less likely to report crimes or help police, which can hurt public safety.
• Community Support: Advocacy groups may step up efforts to provide legal help and information to affected residents.

For Federal Agencies

• Enforcement Challenges: DHS and the Attorney General must decide how far to go in enforcing the executive order, especially if courts block some actions.
• Grant Management: Federal agencies must review and possibly suspend or end grants, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.

The Legal Landscape: Court Battles Ahead

Legal experts expect many jurisdictions to challenge their inclusion on the sanctuary jurisdictions list in court. The main legal questions include:

• Can the federal government withhold funds from local governments without Congress’s approval?
• What counts as “cooperation” with federal immigration enforcement?
• Do local policies that limit cooperation with ICE break federal law?

Past court decisions have often sided with local governments, saying that the federal government cannot force them to enforce immigration law or take away funds without clear approval from Congress.

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Pending Developments

• Regular List Updates: The DHS will update the sanctuary jurisdictions list regularly. Jurisdictions may be added or removed based on ongoing reviews.
• Legal Challenges: Many local governments are preparing for court battles. The outcome will likely depend on how judges interpret federal and local powers.
• Possible Escalation: If jurisdictions refuse to change their policies, the Trump administration has signaled it may take further legal and administrative actions, including lawsuits and broader funding suspensions.

Practical Guidance for Jurisdictions and Residents

For Local Governments:

• Review the DHS notification carefully and consult with legal counsel.
• Communicate clearly with residents about what the designation means and what steps are being taken.
• Prepare for possible changes to federal funding and consider alternative sources if needed.
• Stay updated on legal developments and be ready to adjust policies if required by court rulings.

For Immigrant Communities:

• Stay informed about local policies and your rights.
• Seek legal advice if you have concerns about your immigration status or interactions with law enforcement.
• Use trusted community organizations for support and information.

For All Residents:

• Understand that changes in federal policy can affect local services and public safety.
• Stay engaged with local government updates and community meetings.

Official Resources and Where to Find More Information

For the most current and detailed information on sanctuary jurisdictions, the DHS maintains an official Sanctuary Jurisdictions page with policy updates, the latest lists, and answers to common questions. Local government websites for Montgomery County, Baltimore, and other listed jurisdictions also provide official statements and contact information.

The full text of Executive Order 14287 is available on the White House and DHS websites, offering details on the administration’s policy and enforcement plans.

Summary Table: Key Elements of the Trump Administration’s Sanctuary Jurisdictions Crackdown

Multiple Perspectives: Analysis and Reactions

Trump Administration View:
Officials argue that sanctuary jurisdictions put public safety at risk by protecting people who have broken immigration laws. They believe strong federal action is needed to enforce the law and protect communities.

Local Government View:
Many local leaders say their policies are legal and focus on building trust with all residents. They argue that cooperating with ICE only in cases involving serious crimes is the best way to keep communities safe.

Legal Experts:
Point out that the lack of a clear legal definition and past court rulings make this a complex legal issue. They expect long court battles and say the outcome is far from certain.

Advocacy Groups:
Warn that these actions could make immigrants afraid to seek help from police or use public services, which could harm public safety for everyone.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing conflict between federal and local governments over sanctuary jurisdictions is likely to continue, with important consequences for immigrants, local budgets, and the future of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.

Takeaways and Next Steps

• Sanctuary jurisdictions are now at the center of a major policy fight, with over 500 areas named by the DHS and facing possible loss of federal funding.
• Executive Order 14287 gives the federal government new tools to pressure local governments, but legal challenges are expected.
• Local leaders and immigrant communities should stay informed, seek legal advice, and prepare for possible changes in funding and policy.
• Federal and local officials must balance enforcement with community trust and public safety.

For ongoing updates and official information, visit the DHS Sanctuary Jurisdictions page.

This situation remains fluid, with regular updates expected as the DHS reviews compliance and courts weigh in on the legal battles ahead. All stakeholders—local governments, immigrant communities, and federal agencies—should monitor developments closely and be prepared to respond as the policy landscape evolves.

Learn Today

Sanctuary jurisdictions → States, counties, or cities limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities like ICE.
Executive Order 14287 → A 2025 presidential order directing DHS to identify and act against sanctuary jurisdictions.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → Federal agency overseeing immigration enforcement and national security policies.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.
Attorney General → The chief legal officer of the U.S. government, enforcing immigration-related legal actions.

This Article in a Nutshell

The DHS named more than 500 sanctuary jurisdictions in May 2025, escalating immigration enforcement tensions. Jurisdictions face funding loss and legal battles amid debates on public safety and immigrant protections, spotlighting the complex balance between federal authority and local autonomy in immigration policy enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com