Trump Administration Takes Legal Action Against Illinois and Chicago Over Immigrant Sanctuary Laws

The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois, Chicago, and Cook County, arguing that local laws protecting immigrants infringe upon constitutional rights. The suit, filed Thursday morning, describes a “national crisis” of illegal immigration and emphasizes the need for strict enforcement of federal immigration laws.

According to the lawsuit, the Illinois Way Forward Act, TRUST Acts, Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, and Cook County’s Ordinance 11-O-73 violate the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause, which mandates that federal law takes precedence over state law. The government claims these local laws hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts.

The suit contains three major claims relating to these alleged violations and seeks permanent injunctions against the enforcement of the contested laws. The local regulations generally limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The Welcoming City Ordinance prohibits city agencies from inquiring about or disclosing individuals’ citizenship or immigration status, while Cook County’s ordinance restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to county facilities without a criminal warrant.

The administration asserts that these protections have contributed to the release of “countless criminals” in Chicago, referencing over 13,000 arrests by immigration enforcement agencies in Illinois from 2016 to 2025. It claims that officials in Chicago have frequently obstructed federal immigration enforcement and have allowed dangerous individuals to remain on the streets.

The government’s complaint highlights various crimes, including assault and drug offenses, allegedly committed by individuals who should have faced immigration removal. However, it provides no specific data on criminal convictions for undocumented immigrants in the area.

In its legal arguments, the Trump administration states that the local laws disrupt federal authorities’ ability to enforce immigration laws effectively, labeling the regulations as unlawful interference. The lawsuit represents a significant step in the administration’s crackdown on immigration, particularly targeting so-called sanctuary cities like Chicago.

Tom Homan, the former head of ICE, indicated in December that Chicago would be a focal point for mass deportations. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to join a congressional hearing on sanctuary cities alongside mayors from other major cities. Despite the heightened rhetoric from the administration, large-scale deportations have yet to be executed.

The city is actively providing resources for immigrants to understand their rights when interacting with federal officials. Furthermore, immigrant rights activists have organized to monitor ICE operations and protest against the administration’s policies. Efforts to amend the Welcoming City Ordinance have recently failed in the city council.

In response to the lawsuit, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office defended the state’s laws as lawful and compliant with federal standards. Pritzker reminded that the TRUST Act was signed into law by a Republican governor, emphasizing it prioritizes public safety without compromising necessary law enforcement duties.

Furthermore, Pritzker’s office criticized the Trump administration for exacerbating public safety challenges and reiterated the state’s determination to fight the lawsuit in court. Since August 2022, Chicago has received over 51,000 new migrants, many sent from Texas as part of a political strategy targeting Democratic strongholds.