President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order addressing the federal government's enforcement of immigration laws and its relationship with state and local jurisdictions. The order emphasizes federal authority over immigration as a constitutional and national sovereignty issue. It criticizes past leniency, alleging that it has allowed millions of illegal aliens to enter the United States, posing threats to public safety and national security.
The document outlines measures against so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions—states and local governments that obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. The Attorney General, along with the Secretary of Homeland Security, will list such jurisdictions and notify them of potential federal law violations.
The order mandates that federal departments and agencies identify and potentially suspend or terminate funds to the designated sanctuary jurisdictions. In cases where jurisdictions persist in noncompliance after notification, legal actions will be pursued to enforce federal laws.
Additionally, the order directs the development of mechanisms to verify the eligibility of individuals for federal public benefits within these jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
President Trump reiterated the need for federal laws that treat American citizens equally, focusing on identifying and amending state and local regulations favoring aliens unlawfully over U.S. citizens.
The executive order specifies that its implementation will align with applicable laws, subject to appropriations, and it is not designed to create legally enforceable rights against the U.S. government. The Department of Justice will be responsible for its publication in the Federal Register.
Donald J. Trump signed the order on April 28, 2025, at the White House.
