California, L.A. brace for Trump’s new threats to cut funds over immigration stance
WASHINGTON— State and local officials were once again on the defensive after President Trump on Wednesday repeated his threat to steal federal dollars from “sanctuary” counties like California and Los Angeles that have long opposed cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies.
The ultimatum was announced in the early hours of the morning Real Social postechoed The president’s comprehensive remarks on Tuesday At the Economic Club of Detroit, billions of dollars in funding for health, education and transportation are being put in jeopardy.
“Starting February 1, the federal government will no longer pay states for corrupt crime containment centers known as sanctuary cities. All they do is encourage crime and violence. If states want it, they will have to pay for it,” he said.
The U.S. government is providing $175 billion to California this fiscal year; That’s about a third of the state’s total spending plan for 2025-26. state budget records.
Last year, the US Department of Justice compiled a list. dozens of state and local governments They are defined as “sanctuary” jurisdictions based on policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
These policies generally do not prevent federal authorities from carrying out immigration enforcement, but they do restrict how local resources can be used.
California Department of Justice officials were quick to point out that courts have repeatedly ruled against the president on this issue. last in augustwhen a judge ruled that the federal government could not deny funding to Los Angeles and 30 other cities because of policies that limit cooperation on immigration enforcement.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge William Orrick expanded an earlier injunction that found Trump’s efforts to cut federal funding were likely unconstitutional and violated the separation of powers doctrine.
But at a hearing in December, a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals signaled the injunction could be overturned, with the justices questioning whether the administration’s latest orders actually require agencies to withhold funds beyond their authority.
The final decision on the objection is awaited.
California Adv. Gen. Rob Bonta’s office said Wednesday that the content of the White House threats was unclear.
“While details are scant here, we will have to look at what the president actually did,” Bonta said. “We are ready to take the necessary steps to protect our state and uphold the law.”
Bonta also defeated the administration over its attempts to impose illegal immigration enforcement requirements on transportation, homeland security and funding for the Victims of Crime Act.
He made a statement on Tuesday multi-state challenge Trump’s plans to freeze $10 billion in federal child care and social services funding over false claims that the government is “illegally providing assistance to illegal aliens.”
Governor Gavin Newsom took some time to look at the state’s legal record.
“Please pray for the president as he struggles with cognitive decline. He’s already forgotten that he’s tried this many times before, and we sued him and won,” Newsom said Wednesday.
Although the White House did not comment on a specific legal framework or dollar amount for this wave of funding cuts, spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Wednesday that sanctuary cities are “incredibly dangerous” and put law-abiding Americans at risk.
He added that the Trump administration is considering “various legal options” to implement this policy.
The issue of executive overreach is also at the forefront for Senate Democrats who are challenging the president over military action in Venezuela.
“Let me be clear: The power of the budget rests with Congress, not the White House or Donald Trump,” said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).
Los Angeles City Attorney. Hydee Feldstein Soto confirmed he will take legal action to protect the city’s access to federal dollars.
Mayor Karen Bass said she plans to work with partners at all levels of government to ensure Angelenos continue to receive government services.
“Hardworking and honest Americans should not have to pay the price for the president’s continued political assault on blue states and cities,” he said in a statement.
