Executive order targeting sanctuary cities and cutting federal funding
April 15, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Trigger
President Trump signed executive order on April 15, 2025 targeting sanctuary cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, authorizing cuts to federal funding and contracts for cities with sanctuary policies.
Action Taken
Signed executive order on April 15, 2025 targeting sanctuary cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Order authorized cuts to federal funding and contracts for cities with sanctuary policies. Local governments filed lawsuits challenging the order, arguing it violated federalism principles and exceeded executive authority. Multiple courts blocked parts of the order. Critics argued the order was politically motivated retaliation against cities with different immigration policies.
In His Own Words
"Sanctuary cities are breaking the law."
"We will cut funding to cities that protect illegal immigrants."
"Cities must cooperate with federal immigration enforcement."
What's Wrong
Executive order targeting sanctuary cities and cutting federal funding raises questions about federalism and executive authority. Local governments filed lawsuits challenging the order. Multiple courts blocked parts of the order. Critics argued the order exceeded executive authority and violated federalism principles.
Impact
Constitutional: Questions about federalism and executive authority. Legal: Multiple lawsuits filed, courts blocked parts of the order. Institutional: Undermines federalism and local autonomy. Operational: Order created uncertainty for sanctuary cities and their residents.
Sources & Full Details
Primary Sources
Background
Executive order targeting sanctuary cities and states that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement was signed on April 15, 2025. Order authorized cuts to federal funding and contracts. Local governments filed lawsuits challenging the order. Multiple courts blocked parts of the order. Critics argued the order was politically motivated.
Why Level 3?
Multiple guardrails bypassed: separation of powers, Congressional authority, due process. Order exceeds executive authority and violates federalism principles. Multiple courts blocked parts of the order.