Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent directive to halt federal funding for "sanctuary cities" has sparked a nationwide debate. This decision, which directs the Department of Justice to investigate jurisdictions hindering law enforcement efforts related to immigration, has prompted varied reactions from state and local leaders across the country. Fox News Digital examined the potential impact of this funding freeze on key states and cities.
Philadelphia, a city that publicly declared its sanctuary status under former Mayor Jim Kenney, has yet to comment on the implications of Bondi’s action. Meanwhile, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, also a sanctuary city, faces a contrasting approach from its county-level Republican leadership, who have pledged cooperation with federal authorities.
While Pittsburgh's Mayor Ed Gainey has stated his unwillingness to collaborate with ICE, Pennsylvania's divided government presents a complex landscape for navigating this issue. Republicans, holding a slim majority in the State House, express support for upholding the law, potentially leading to funding challenges for non-compliant municipalities.
In New York, a sanctuary state with cities like Albany and New York City potentially affected, reactions have been mixed. While Speaker Heastie remained unavailable for comment, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt expressed support for Bondi's move, criticizing the Biden administration and New York Democrats for their handling of the migrant crisis. Senator Steve Chan welcomed potential action against New York City, citing the need for fiscal responsibility and prioritizing funding for other critical needs.
Boston, another city facing potential funding cuts, has seen Mayor Michelle Wu agree to testify before Congress on immigration matters. Massachusetts, while having some sanctuary-like policies, is not officially a sanctuary state according to Governor Maura Healey.
California, home to numerous sanctuary cities, presents a unique challenge. Governor Gavin Newsom's spokeswoman indicated potential legal obstacles to Bondi’s order, citing existing court rulings. Newsom, despite political differences with the current administration, expressed optimism for a productive partnership. Republican Senator Brian W. Jones signaled his intent to introduce legislation to reform California’s sanctuary policies, emphasizing public safety and cooperation with ICE.
Chicago is another city under scrutiny. While Governor JB Pritzker did not initially respond to requests for comment, he later defended Illinois's policies in response to a lawsuit, emphasizing compliance with federal law. The state's TRUST Act, enacted under former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, limits law enforcement's ability to detain immigrants without a warrant.
