Illinois Leaders Fire Back at Trump's Funding Threats for Chicago and Other Sanctuary Cities
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker have joined forces to push back against President Donald Trump's threat to cut off federal funding for the city by the end of February, citing concerns that the move would be "blatantly unconstitutional and immoral."
The latest development comes as part of a larger trend in which Trump has repeatedly targeted sanctuary cities like Chicago with his administration. Trump claims the decision is aimed at preventing crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, but critics argue it's an attempt to punish cities that don't comply with federal immigration policies.
Chicago, along with New York City and Los Angeles, limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and provides stronger protections for immigrants who entered the country without permission. The city has been sued over similar funding threats in the past, most notably by the Trump administration in July.
The decision to target sanctuary cities comes as part of a broader effort to punish local governments that are seen as being too lenient on undocumented immigrants. The Justice Department published a list last year of 36 states, cities, and counties deemed to be "sanctuary jurisdictions." The majority of those places have Democratic leadership.
Governor Pritzker called Trump's threat an attempt to "treat American taxpayers like pawns" in his response. He vowed that Illinois would continue fighting for the funds it is owed, having previously beaten the administration in court.
Mayor Johnson echoed similar sentiments, stating that Chicago will not back down from a fight and that the city is prepared for another lawsuit. The Mayor warned Trump to take the matter to court directly, saying "To the president, our message is simple: We'll see you in court."
The dispute centers on a provision of federal law allowing states to withhold funding if they are deemed sanctuary cities. However, many experts argue that this provision has not been clearly defined and that the decision should be left up to individual state governors.
For now, Chicagoans can rest easy knowing that their city will stand firm against Trump's threat. As Governor Pritzker said in a post on X, "We've beaten the administration in court before – and we're not afraid to keep doing so."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker have joined forces to push back against President Donald Trump's threat to cut off federal funding for the city by the end of February, citing concerns that the move would be "blatantly unconstitutional and immoral."
The latest development comes as part of a larger trend in which Trump has repeatedly targeted sanctuary cities like Chicago with his administration. Trump claims the decision is aimed at preventing crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, but critics argue it's an attempt to punish cities that don't comply with federal immigration policies.
Chicago, along with New York City and Los Angeles, limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and provides stronger protections for immigrants who entered the country without permission. The city has been sued over similar funding threats in the past, most notably by the Trump administration in July.
The decision to target sanctuary cities comes as part of a broader effort to punish local governments that are seen as being too lenient on undocumented immigrants. The Justice Department published a list last year of 36 states, cities, and counties deemed to be "sanctuary jurisdictions." The majority of those places have Democratic leadership.
Governor Pritzker called Trump's threat an attempt to "treat American taxpayers like pawns" in his response. He vowed that Illinois would continue fighting for the funds it is owed, having previously beaten the administration in court.
Mayor Johnson echoed similar sentiments, stating that Chicago will not back down from a fight and that the city is prepared for another lawsuit. The Mayor warned Trump to take the matter to court directly, saying "To the president, our message is simple: We'll see you in court."
The dispute centers on a provision of federal law allowing states to withhold funding if they are deemed sanctuary cities. However, many experts argue that this provision has not been clearly defined and that the decision should be left up to individual state governors.
For now, Chicagoans can rest easy knowing that their city will stand firm against Trump's threat. As Governor Pritzker said in a post on X, "We've beaten the administration in court before – and we're not afraid to keep doing so."
I'm telling you, this is all about control. The feds want to dictate how cities run, but what's really going on? They're trying to chip away at states' rights, one funding threat at a time. And let's be real, the whole "sanctuary city" thing is just a smokescreen for their real agenda. They don't care about crime rates or immigration; they care about lining their own pockets and getting what they want. 
The fact that Gov Pritzker and Mayor Johnson are fighting back says more than we know – there's definitely some hidden motives at play here... 
... I mean, come on Trump, can't you just make up your mind? First it's one thing, then another, and now you're threatening to cut off funding for Chicago because the Mayor is trying to protect people who came here seeking a better life? That's not even sanctuary cities anymore, that's just good old-fashioned American values 
. And don't even get me started on Governor Pritzker's "treat American taxpayers like pawns" comment - what a total misinterpretation 
.
Trump thinks he's got some leverage over cities just 'cause they won't play ball with his immigration nonsense? Newsflash, dude: Illinois is still gonna get that funding 
. It's just another power move from someone who thinks he's above the law... again 
. And honestly, can't we all just focus on getting some actual progress done instead of playing politics over funding? 
Chicago knows what's up and they're not gonna back down 
. Bring it on, court 
Just saw that Illinois is getting hit with a funding threat from Trump again... like, what's next? 
The mayor and governor are trying to be all tough and whatnot, but let's be real, we've seen plenty of cities get bullied by the feds before and come out on top with lawsuits. Fingers crossed Chicago can do the same... but I'm not holding my breath 
.
Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker are giving President Trump the ol' middle finger 
. The fact that Trump thinks he can strong-arm them into compliance is laughable 
.
. It's like, no thanks, Prez! 
.
... meanwhile, Illinois will be over here, living its best life 
.
and it got me thinking... have you ever tried making your own bird feeders? it's super easy and fun! 
i swear, the most relaxing thing is watching those birds flit around in their new homes 
anyway, back to politics... or not 
. It's just common sense. And now they're threatening our funding? That's just ridiculous 
Anyway, Chicago and Illinois are like "peace out, we got this" - they're prepared to take on Trump's tantrums in court if that's what it takes! 
. governor pritzker and mayor johnson are speaking truth to power and standing up for what's right 
. we got this, chicago! 
Can someone please provide some evidence of a previous lawsuit or court case where Trump's admin went through with their threat? This whole thing sounds like another classic example of "you can't keep us down" from Illinois politicians... 
? It's time someone stood up to that dude 
it's like they think americans are gonna just sit around waiting for their tax dollars to be withheld because of some fancy-schmancy provision in a law that nobody really understands 
.
I'm also feeling pretty optimistic about Chicago's chances in court 
. Those lawyers are gonna knock it outta the park, and Trump will be left looking like a big ol' baby 
. This whole thing is just fuel for me to believe that good always wins out in the end 
!