FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2025
Local governments across the US join legal challenge to federal actions aimed at so-called ‘sanctuary’ policies
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – An amended complaint filed Thursday evening added 11 jurisdictions as plaintiffs in a lawsuit spearheaded by the County of Santa Clara and San Francisco that challenges Trump Administration actions that violate the Constitution by taking harmful actions against jurisdictions that have so-called “sanctuary” policies.
Joining the lawsuit are the California cities of San José, San Diego, Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Emeryville, and the County of Monterey; Minnesota cities Minneapolis and St. Paul; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Seattle, Washington. In addition to the County of Santa Clara and the City and County of San Francisco, the initial lawsuit included the City of Portland, Oregon; the City of New Haven, Connecticut; and King County, Washington. Collectively these jurisdictions are home to nearly 10 million residents. The cities of Minneapolis, New Haven, Portland, St. Paul, Santa Fe, and Seattle are being represented in the case by Public Rights Project, a nonpartisan nonprofit that works with local governments to protect civil rights.
“These are local governments, large and small, in very different parts of the state and the nation, that are taking a stand against the Federal government’s attempt to unconstitutionally commandeer local resources to assist with immigration enforcement,” said County of Santa Clara County Counsel Tony LoPresti. “These are jurisdictions that believe in local governments’ right to ensure that their limited resources are used to care for communities rather than tear them apart.”
The lawsuit, initially filed on February 7, involves jurisdictional policies that limit the use of local resources to aid federal immigration officials in carrying out civil immigration enforcement. These non-cooperation policies focus local resources on local priorities such as providing services to vulnerable populations and carrying out traditional law enforcement activity to protect local public safety. They prohibit the federal government’s commandeering of local government resources to carry out civil immigration enforcement, which is a federal responsibility. The courts have repeatedly upheld local governments’ Constitutional right to choose a policy of non-cooperation. These policies in no way prevent the federal government from using its own resources to enforce federal immigration laws.
Since the lawsuit was filed, the Trump Administration has doubled down on its tactics, issuing a second Executive Order targeting jurisdictions by directing executive departments and agencies to ensure that “Federal payments to States and localities do not … abet so-called ‘sanctuary’ policies.” In addition, the Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against states and localities with such policies in place, asserting an unlawful and unprecedented interpretation of the federal government’s authority over local government resources.
San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said the administration’s current actions mirror those seen in 2017.
“Once again, the federal government is illegally asserting rights it does not have,” said Chiu. They want to commandeer local law enforcement, while strongarming local officials with threats of defunding or prosecution,” Chiu said. “Their actions are illegal and authoritarian, and we believe they will again be found unconstitutional and unenforceable.”
During the first Trump Administration, the County of Santa Clara and San Francisco sued the federal government after the federal administration attempted to withhold federal funds from the County based on its non-cooperation policies. In that matter and subsequent cases, federal district courts and the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals agreed with the jurisdictions that the conditions the Trump Administration attempted to place on federal funding were unconstitutional and that County policies complied with federal laws.
“Our constitutional system of government prescribes different roles for the federal government from those of states and local governments — it is part of the foundational framework that forms the fabric of our country. This lawsuit at its core is about preserving local autonomy,” said County of Santa Clara County Executive James R. Williams. “We are pleased that there are so many other local jurisdictions ready to join our fight and to stand in solidarity against an administration that is intent on shredding that fabric and trampling the rights of states, localities, and individuals.”
“Withholding federal funds from cities that uphold their values isn’t just un-American, it’s illegal, plain and simple,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “Minneapolis will stand strong, take action and protect our communities. Our City’s policies are crystal clear: it is not our job or jurisdiction to enforce federal immigration laws. We join this lawsuit with other cities nationwide to stop federal overreach and stand up against blatant intimidation.”
“Unfairly targeting cities based on ideology goes against the democratic values that created this country,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “The truth is, our policies related to immigration enforcement mirror those in places like Dallas, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina. And that’s because whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or anything in between, the fundamental responsibility of government is keeping people safe – and to unlawfully threaten to withhold funding for programs like DNA analysis and police equipment makes us all less safe.”
“The Trump administration’s unlawful action represents an attempt to interfere with how we allocate our local resources by defunding critical safety efforts. Cutting grants that support investigations into sexual assault, child exploitation, and domestic violence; services for survivors; 911 dispatch; substance use disorder programming; and other essential initiatives undermines our community’s well-being,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “The loss of millions in federal grants and support would have an immediate and devastating impact on these vital programs. When Seattle’s local values, policies, and priorities are challenged by illegal federal actions, we will not hesitate to do everything in our power to defend our people and our rights.”
“This is an issue of federal overreach into areas of local control,” said Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison. “The City of Seattle has adopted laws and dedicated significant resources to make our communities safer and to provide services for our residents who need them. This includes our diverse, vibrant, and invaluable immigrant communities. Seattle’s municipal government will not be co-opted to perform the federal government’s responsibilities to enforce federal immigration laws.”
“The federal government cannot bully local communities into enforcing its dangerous immigration agenda at the expense of public safety, economic stability, and constitutional rights,” said Jill Habig, founder and CEO of Public Rights Project. “We are proud to stand with cities and counties nationwide to challenge these illegal threats and ensure that local governments can continue protecting their residents without fear of political retaliation.”
“We’re standing by the City Charter, and the Trump administration is threatening to take action that will punish us for standing with members of our community regardless of their immigration status,” Alan Webber, Mayor of the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, said Thursday. “We’re joining with other cities to try to prevent that from happening, and to point out when we believe they’ve acted unconstitutionally.”
“Monterey County values all that our immigrant workers and families contribute to our local communities and economy,” said Luis A. Alego, County of Monterey Supervisor, 1st District. “We continue to ensure that our county remains a welcoming place for them. It’s imperative to challenge any executive orders that overreach and attempt to withhold federal funds from counties and cities. The Constitution protects local governments’ decisions on how to spend its local resources, and our decision to not engage in immigration enforcement, which is a federal responsibility.”
“In Monterey County, we firmly believe in the dignity and inherent worth of every individual who calls this community home,” said Christopher Lopez, Chair, County of Monterey Supervisor, 3rd District. “The stories of our friends, families, and neighbors are stories of resilience, hard work, and sacrifice—stories written by those who have chosen to build their lives in the rich and fertile soils of the Salinas Valley. These are the stories that define who we are as a community and as a nation. Not long ago, during some of our nation’s most challenging times, the world recognized the indispensable contributions of our essential workers. These individuals—our neighbors—worked tirelessly to feed a nation in crisis, ensuring that no family went hungry. Their dedication and perseverance remind us of the strength and unity that bind us together. Today, we stand united with all members of our community. We call on our court system to reject punitive measures that unfairly target hardworking individuals for the shortcomings of a broken federal immigration system. Instead, we urge our leaders in Washington to pass comprehensive immigration reform—reform that reflects our values, strengthens our economy, and honors the contributions of those who help feed not just our nation, but the world. Let us move forward together, with compassion and resolve, to build a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Monterey County is stronger when we stand as one, and together, we will continue to lead, innovate, and feed the world.”
The lawsuit and amendment were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The case is City and County of San Francisco, et al., v. Donald J. Trump, et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 25-cv-01350.