Attorney General Pam Bondi Halts Funding for Sanctuary Cities

On Wednesday, newly sworn-in Attorney General of the United States Pam Bondi announced that federal funding would be halted for any and all so-called “sanctuary cities” that harbor illegal aliens from the federal government.

According to the Daily Caller, Bondi’s memo on Wednesday paused all federal grants from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to all cities, counties, and other local jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the deportation of illegals. The order is expected to face legal challenges.

“Consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, court orders, and terms, the Department of Justice shall pause the distribution of all funds until a review has been completed, terminate any agreements that are in violation of law or are the source of waste, fraud, or abuse, and initiate clawback or recoupment procedures, where appropriate,” the memo ordered. “Sanctuary jurisdictions should not receive access to federal grants administered by the Department of Justice.”

Bondi additionally ordered the DOJ to identify any contracts with organizations that provide assistance, be it legal aid or otherwise, to illegal aliens, and to halt funding to those groups as well. Bondi also ordered further “enforcement actions” against sanctuary cities as punishment for their defiance of federal immigration law.

“Actions that impede federal efforts to enforce immigration law threaten public safety and national security,” the memo continues. “State and local jurisdictions must comply with applicable immigration-related federal laws.”

Several of the largest cities in the country have declared themselves to be sanctuary cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Boston. Boston, along with San Diego, passed additional sanctuary measures after President Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.

Bondi was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday in a narrow, nearly party-line vote. She received the support of every Senate Republican, as well as Senator John Fetterman (D-Penn.).