The Trump administration is ramping up efforts to ensure that mayors who obstruct federal immigration enforcement face consequences. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf have both stated that city leaders who defy federal law may be held responsible for their actions.
Speaking on Fox News, Noem confirmed that the administration will not allow sanctuary city policies to interfere with immigration enforcement. “Nobody’s above the law. Of course we will,” she said when asked if officials could face repercussions. She emphasized that her role is to implement President Donald Trump’s directives on border security and immigration policy.
Sanctuary city mayors are completely out of touch with the American people.
They care more about protecting illegal alien criminals than their own citizens.
More from @Sec_Noem ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Zijioq2tKE
— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) January 31, 2025
Sanctuary city policies prevent local police departments from working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), making it harder for federal agencies to carry out deportations. Noem acknowledged that these policies present challenges but said they would not stop enforcement efforts. “They are limiting some of our tools that we want in our toolbox, but we’re going to continue to go in and use our operations,” she said.
Sanctuary City Mayor Adams is upset about his policies: "We turned this city around in 20 months and then what happened? A madman down in Texas decided he wanted to bus people up to New York City. 110,000 migrants we have to feed, clothe, house, give them everything they need." pic.twitter.com/3511gB9iYF
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 7, 2023
Chad Wolf highlighted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson as an example of an official standing in the way of federal enforcement. “He is protecting criminal aliens in his community,” Wolf said on Newsmax. He urged the Department of Justice to consider legal action against city leaders who refuse to comply with immigration laws.
Johnson has repeatedly stated that his city will continue to welcome illegal immigrants despite the Trump administration’s crackdown. Wolf criticized these policies, arguing that they put American citizens at risk. “They’re on the wrong side of history when it comes to protecting their citizens and protecting their community from dangerous illegal aliens,” he said.
The Trump administration has already taken steps to reverse Biden-era immigration policies. A recent DHS memo confirmed that the administration revoked an extension of Temporary Protected Status for 600,000 Venezuelan nationals, signaling a shift toward stricter enforcement.
