President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The order directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to compile a list of these localities, often referred to as "sanctuary cities.".
Once identified, the President has instructed the DOJ and DHS to take legal actions against them, including potentially freezing federal funding.
The executive order accuses these jurisdictions of engaging in "illegal insurrection" by hindering federal immigration authorities.
Sanctuary policies are defended by local governments and organizations as a way to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
This encourages residents to report crimes without fear of deportation.
Under U.S. law, residing in the country without authorization is a civil, not a criminal, offense.
Trump also signed a separate order to bolster his anti-immigration policies.
This order aims to provide legal support and military equipment to law enforcement agents accused of misconduct.
The Trump administration has been increasing agreements between local authorities and ICE, granting police the authority to arrest migrants.
ICE data indicates over 456 such agreements have been established.