
Sanctuary city leaders could soon face legal consequences as the Trump administration moves to hold them accountable for shielding illegal immigrants. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and former acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf have made clear that cities refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement will not be ignored.
During an appearance on Fox News, Noem made it clear that action against defiant mayors is on the table. “Nobody’s above the law,” she said when asked about potential repercussions for officials refusing to comply. “Of course we will. But that’s up to President Trump.” Noem emphasized that her role is to enforce the administration’s immigration policies as directed by the president.
Sanctuary city mayors are completely out of touch with the American people.
They care more about protecting illegal alien criminals than their own citizens.
More from @Sec_Noem ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Zijioq2tKE
— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) January 31, 2025
Sanctuary city policies prevent local law enforcement from working with federal immigration agencies, making it difficult for authorities to detain and deport illegal immigrants. Noem said these policies have complicated enforcement efforts but insisted that DHS will push forward regardless. “They are limiting some of our tools that we want in our toolbox, but we’re going to continue to go in and use our operations,” she said.
Sanctuary City Mayor Adams is upset about his policies: "We turned this city around in 20 months and then what happened? A madman down in Texas decided he wanted to bus people up to New York City. 110,000 migrants we have to feed, clothe, house, give them everything they need." pic.twitter.com/3511gB9iYF
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 7, 2023
Chad Wolf specifically pointed to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as an example of officials actively obstructing federal law. “He is actually protecting criminal aliens in his community,” Wolf said on Newsmax. He argued that the Department of Justice should examine whether legal action is necessary against those who refuse to cooperate with ICE and other federal agencies.
Johnson has repeatedly stated that Chicago will remain a sanctuary city despite federal efforts to remove illegal immigrants. Wolf argued that these policies undermine public safety. “They’re on the wrong side of history when it comes to protecting their citizens and protecting their community from dangerous illegal aliens,” he said.
As part of its latest immigration enforcement measures, the Trump administration revoked an extension of Temporary Protected Status for approximately 600,000 Venezuelan nationals, reversing a policy implemented under the Biden administration.