Trump Threatens Funding Cuts Over Sanctuary Policies

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to withhold substantial federal infrastructure funding from states and cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, particularly targeting Democratic-run sanctuary cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. This move comes after President Donald Trump's directive for expanded ICE raids and represents an escalation in the administration’s efforts to pressure local governments to end sanctuary policies. Duffy warned that jurisdictions refusing to assist federal deportation efforts or allowing protests that damage transportation infrastructure would forfeit federal funding. The potential loss of infrastructure funding could impose significant financial strain on non-compliant states and cities. The announcement has sparked widespread protests, with some Democratic leaders publicly defending their sanctuary policies and criticizing the federal deployment of troops in response to the unrest. The conflict underscores heightened federal-state tensions over immigration enforcement and funding.