The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Illinois and the city of Chicago, challenging state and local laws that allegedly interfere with federal immigration enforcement. This marks the first lawsuit of its kind under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has vowed to crack down on sanctuary cities. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, targets Illinois’ TRUST Act, a Cook County ordinance, and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance. These laws generally prevent local officials from participating in immigration enforcement and limit information sharing with federal authorities.
The Justice Department argues that these laws violate the Constitution’s supremacy clause, which states that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws. The lawsuit claims that these policies make it difficult for federal immigration officers to perform their duties and could jeopardize public safety. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove warned that local officials could face legal action if they undermine federal immigration laws.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker defended the state’s laws, stating that they comply with federal law and prioritize police resources for fighting crime. Pritzker emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting law-abiding residents, regardless of their immigration status. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has reaffirmed the city’s sanctuary status, has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws more strictly. Since returning to office, President Trump has issued executive orders to bolster immigration enforcement, including deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border and attempting to end birthright citizenship. These actions have sparked legal challenges and criticism from advocacy groups and state officials.
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