Trump Administration Sues Los Angeles Over Sanctuary City Policy

In a move to challenge sanctuary city policies, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles on Monday, alleging that its policies hinder federal immigration enforcement and violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The Department of Justice argued that Los Angeles’ laws obstruct communication and cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement, while Attorney General Pam Bondi linked sanctuary policies to violence and chaos in the city.
This marks the fourth legal action by the Trump administration against sanctuary jurisdictions, following lawsuits against Chicago, Illinois, Colorado, and New Jersey. The lawsuit references President Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to deport illegal aliens and addresses the ongoing immigration crisis.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the administration’s approach, arguing that Trump has escalated tensions by conducting ICE raids that targeted individuals described as “criminal aliens,” contrary to his promise to focus on the “worst of the worst.” Earlier this year, ICE reported 239 arrests in the greater LA area, sparking protests and clashes with law enforcement.
The legal battle highlights the ongoing divide over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, with both sides framing the issue as critical to public safety and constitutional principles.

Published: 7/1/2025