Original Date Announced

Sec. 2 of EO 14287, "Protecting American Communities From Criminal Aliens," requires the Attorney General (AG) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) publish a running list of sanctuary States and local jurisdictions. It also requires the AG and DHS notify those sanctuary jurisdictions "regarding [their] defiance of Federal immigration law enforcement and any potential violations of Federal criminal law."

Sec. 3 describes potential consequences for such jurisdictions if they refuse to change their policies. Sec. 3(a) states "the head of each executive department or agency . . . shall identify appropriate Federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions . . . for suspension or termination. . . ." Sec. 3(b) notes that if any jurisdiction remains a sanctuary jurisdiction after notification, the AG and DHS will "pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to end these violations . . . ."

Sec. 1 of the EO says certain State and local actions could violate criminal laws regarding obstruction of justice (18 USC 1501), unlawful harboring or hiring illegal aliens (8 USC 1324), conspiracy against the United States (18 USC 371), and conspiracy to impede Federal law enforcement (18 USC 372), and assisting noncitizens in violating immigration law could violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) (18 USC 1961).

Trump 2.0 [ID #1717]

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.05.13 Complaint - California et al v. Department of Transportation

Twenty states filed a complaint against the U.S. Department of Transportation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island challenging the administration's threat to withhold federal funding unless the states complied with the federal immigration demands, as outlined in the executive order above. State of California v. U.S Department of Transportation, No. 1:25-cv-00208 (D.R.I.).

**Link to case here. Our litigation entries generally report only the initial complaint and any major substantive filings or decisions. For additional information, CourtListener provides access to PACER and all available pleadings. Other sites that track litigation in more detail or organize cases by topic include Civil Rights Clearinghouse, Justice Action Center, National Immigration Litigation Alliance, and Just Security**

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.05.13 Complaint - Illinois et al v. FEMA

Twenty states filed a complaint against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island challenging the administration's threat to withhold federal funding unless the states complied with federal immigration enforcement demands, as outlined in the executive order above. State of Illinois v. FEMA, No. 1: 25-cv-00206 (D.R.I.).

**Link to case here. See litigation note above**

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.05.31 Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law

Pursuant to the requirement in EO 14287, DHS issued a press release and launched a website that it says will contain a regularly updated list of cities, counties, and states that it calls "sanctuary jurisdictions."

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.06.01 Reported: DHS removes list of 'sanctuary' cities after sheriffs push back on non-compliant label - Reuters

Reuters reports that DHS removed its list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" from its website following criticism from the National Sheriffs' Association, which represents over 3,000 elected sheriffs nationwide. Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue condemned DHS for releasing the list without consulting sheriffs, saying the move lacked transparency and accountability and violated "the core principles of trust, cooperation, and partnership with fellow law enforcement."

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.08.05 DOJ - Justice Department Publishes List of Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Pursuant to Executive Order 14287, DOJ published a list of states, cities, and counties that purportedly have "policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws." DOJ states that the list of so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions" is not exhaustive and will be updated as federal authorities gather information. The press release notes "[t]he federal government will assist any jurisdiction that desires to be taken off this list to identify and eliminate their sanctuary policies, so they no longer stand in opposition to federal immigration enforcement."

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.08.13 Letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi to Governor Kathy Hochul

Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul informing her that New York is on the list of sanctuary jurisdictions compiled pursuant to EO 14287. The letter requested a response by August 19, 2025 that "confirms [the Governor's] commitment to complying with federal law and identifies the immediate initiatives [the Governor is] taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement."