DOJ Sanctuary Hit List: Funding Threats To Force ICE Cooperation

An American Immigration Council analysis argues the DOJ’s Aug. 5 targeted list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions mischaracterizes common state and local policies—like limits on ICE detainers and information sharing—and frames supportive immigrant programs as obstructive. The piece says DOJ is using threats of lawsuits and funding cuts to coerce local cooperation with deportation efforts, despite existing lawful avenues for cooperation when required. It notes the narrower DOJ list follows backlash to a broader DHS list and warns the approach diverts local resources toward federal enforcement and undermines public safety trust.