The Trump administration has ordered the suspension of federal funding to several U.S. states and cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities, according to reports by American media outlets.
According to The Washington Post, the Office of Management and Budget has instructed most federal agencies to identify all grants, loans, and payments provided to jurisdictions that do not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws. Only the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are exempt from this directive.
President Donald Trump announced that, starting February 1, the federal government will no longer provide funds to so-called “sanctuary states”, arguing that such jurisdictions protect criminals rather than American citizens.
“No money for criminals,” Trump stated, reiterating his administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement.
The administration has also intensified immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, where several organizations receiving federal funding are currently under investigation. Many of these organizations are reportedly linked to the Somali community in the city.
Trump has referred to these groups as “Somali gang members”, using the investigations as justification to combat alleged federal fund fraud and limit immigration from East Africa.
The states and jurisdictions subject to increased scrutiny include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
The move is expected to spark legal challenges and political backlash, as critics argue that the decision undermines local autonomy and threatens essential public services, while supporters claim it strengthens law enforcement and national security.
