Lawsuits Targeting Sanctuary Policies Test Balance of Federal, State Power

States with such policies said the administration can’t commandeer their resources.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detain an man after a court hearing at the Connecticut Supreme Court in Stamford, Connecticut, on July 3, 2025. John Moore/Getty Images

President Donald Trump’s administration has sued multiple states and localities for allegedly violating the Constitution by hindering federal immigration enforcement.

These areas, known as sanctuary jurisdictions, have policies or practices that prohibit cooperation with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. Trump has ordered the federal government to prepare for defunding these places, but hit a block after multiple jurisdictions filed lawsuits.