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America faces a critical challenge not just from the immigration crisis but from an alarming breakdown of the rule of law. Data from the Department of Homeland Security reveals that more than 560 jurisdictions across the country operate as sanctuary cities. These sanctuary city policies not only disregard federal authority but also embolden criminal activity, hinder law enforcement, and jeopardize the safety of innocent Americans.
Many of these cities operate under the belief that they are impervious to federal oversight. However, a viable solution exists, as demonstrated during the Trump administration when it tackled instances of defiance against federal law. A notable example occurred when Columbia University refused to confront issues related to antisemitism. The Trump administration responded by freezing federal funding, successfully prompting the university to comply. This approach could similarly dismantle sanctuary city policies, one city at a time.
A strategic shift akin to Trump’s earlier actions is necessary. We need to apply financial pressure and enforce legal accountability to reestablish the rule of law across the nation.
Legal Measures Against Sanctuary Cities
Sanctuary cities not only resist federal immigration enforcement but also impose financial burdens on their taxpayers. This results in the subsidization of populations associated with increased crime rates and unrest. Such cities perpetuate a cycle of lawlessness, prioritizing political motives over public safety.
As an attorney and a legal immigrant who cherishes the American Dream, my perspective on this issue is both personal and professional. Take New York City as a case in point. Between June 2023 and July 2024, the city’s Department of Correction acted on just 4% of ICE detention requests. This alarming statistic implies that thousands of criminals were allowed to evade responsibility after being flagged for deportation. Tragically, two of those released went on to murder an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer.
California’s Sanctuary Policies
California exemplifies the same trend of shielding criminal activity under the guise of protecting vulnerable populations. Since 2022, the state has denied over 13,000 ICE detainer requests, including 72 associated with homicide charges. The violent protests in Los Angeles in 2025 showcased a troubling, coordinated chaos arising from these policies.
Local leaders’ refusal to enforce immigration laws sends a troubling message to the American public: that their safety is not prioritized. While these leaders mask their disregard for enforcement in moral narratives, they fail to safeguard law-abiding citizens and business owners. We must question the true beneficiaries of these so-called sanctuary cities.
The Danger of Ignoring Immigration Laws
America is built on a foundation of laws, not loopholes. However, the rise of the sanctuary city movement poses a stark threat to this foundation by elevating ideology above legal enforcement. If these cities can ignore immigration laws today, could they not also disregard federal civil rights protections, environmental regulations, or national security directives tomorrow? The answer is yes.
Fortunately, President Trump has shown a successful model of accountability that can be replicated for sanctuary cities. In 2025, his administration took decisive action against Columbia University for accepting millions in taxpayer funds while neglecting to address antisemitism in violation of Title VI. When the institution failed to comply, the Trump administration suspended $400 million in federal funding. The university quickly reversed its course, agreeing to pay a settlement while reforming its policies. Such actions demonstrate how to confront institutions that operate as if they are beyond reproach.
Strategies for Defunding and Suing Sanctuary Cities
Applying this model to sanctuary cities can be effective. First, we must defund sanctuary cities. In January 2017, President Trump signed an executive order that allowed the federal government to withhold DOJ and DHS grants from cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. California, for example, lost $200 million in federal funds in 2018 and subsequently began to modify its approach to law enforcement. Moving forward, Trump needs to intensify this strategy by withholding DOJ funding, cutting FEMA grants, slashing Community Development Block Grants, and reallocating resources to compliant communities.
Even if judicial challenges obstruct widespread defunding, federal entities can still attach conditions to grants, ensuring compliance among sanctuary jurisdictions.
Second, we must pursue legal action against sanctuary cities based on the Supremacy Clause. In 2018, Trump’s DOJ successfully contended against California’s Senate Bill 54, prompting the state to scale back its sanctuary protections. More recently, in July 2025, the administration initiated a Supremacy Clause lawsuit against New York City. Similar lawsuits are advancing in Los Angeles, Chicago, and various cities in New Jersey and Illinois. Such legal actions should aim not only for injunctions but also imply criminal referrals for officials who intentionally obstruct federal enforcement.
Empowering American Citizens Through Law
American citizens deserve leaders who prioritize their safety by protecting the innocent and holding the guilty accountable. Our nation must uphold its laws because without enforceable laws, America as we know it cannot exist. The movement towards America First cities is gaining traction. It is essential for Trump to lead a decisive campaign that challenges sanctuary cities through defunding and legal action, paving the way for a safer environment for all citizens. This approach represents the most effective means to ensure the rule of law prevails and communicates a lasting message about accountability and governance.
