TL/DR –
A U.S. federal judge, Lindsay C. Jenkins, discarded the Trump Administration’s lawsuit against Illinois legislation that restricts local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. The Trump Administration contended that these “sanctuary laws” conflict with federal laws as they prevent local officials from sharing information with federal agents, thus inhibiting immigration officials from identifying individuals potentially subject to removal. However, Judge Jenkins ruled that this view runs counter to the Tenth Amendment, arguing that state sanctuary policies cannot be found to discriminate against or regulate the federal government due to the protections of the Tenth Amendment.
Trump’s Sanctuary Cities Lawsuit Dismissed by U.S Judge
The ongoing legal battle against sanctuary cities faced a blow as a U.S federal judge dismissed the Trump Administration’s lawsuit aimed at impeding Illinois legislation curtailing local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Sanctuary Laws versus Federal Laws
Trump’s team argued that Illinois’ sanctuary laws contravene federal laws by restricting local officials from sharing information with federal agents, thus hindering immigration officials from identifying deportable individuals.
Judge’s Ruling and Tenth Amendment
Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins discarded these arguments, stating that deeming sanctuary policies as “impermissible regulation” would violate the Tenth Amendment. Jenkins contended that such an outcome would allow the federal government to manipulate States under intergovernmental immunity, a direct regulation of states prohibited by the Tenth Amendment.
Trump’s War with Sanctuary Cities
Trump’s confrontation with sanctuary cities commenced with an Executive Order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” In this order, Trump claimed that sanctuary jurisdictions obstruct lawful Federal law enforcement operations and proposed withholding federal funding from such cities.
Continued Legal Battles Across the Country
Despite Trump’s failure in Illinois, his Administration continues to challenge sanctuary laws nationwide. Recently, the Department of Justice initiated a new legal action against New York City.
Chicago’s Stance on Sanctuary City
Chicago’s leadership, including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, openly opposes Trump’s immigration policies. Chicago’s “Welcoming City Ordinance” argues that cooperation with ICE would contradict the city’s mission to create a safe community for immigrants.
Trump’s Ongoing Lawsuits Against Other Cities
Trump’s Administration continues legal battles against Los Angeles, Denver, Rochester, and New Jersey’s four cities. Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, asserts that the focus is on sanctuary cities which he claims harbor criminals.
New York City’s Struggle with Sanctuary Status
New York City, the country’s largest sanctuary city, continues to struggle with its status. Mayor Eric Adams, despite facing legal complications with the New York City Council and court system, vows to maintain the city’s sanctuary status but calls for modifications in light of the Justice Department suit.
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