Sanctuary cities and states have begun responding to President Donald Trump’s threat of revoking their federal funding if they maintain their policies.

Officials in California and New York told Newsweek that they will continue to protect immigrants in their communities but also made it clear they will not hinder the federal government’s enforcement operations.

The responses came after Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday morning, calling sanctuary cities and states “death traps.”

Why It Matters

Sanctuary cities and states were a target for the president during his campaign last year and in the months since his return to the White House. He and the wider Republican Party view them as barriers to federal immigration enforcement, while advocates say the policies protect immigrants without legal status from law enforcement overreach.

What To Know

Withholding federal funding is not a new policy or threat from the Trump administration. Since January 20, the president has floated the idea over the allowance of trans athletes in school sports, and the continuance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in Democratic-led states.

The majority of sanctuary policies protecting immigrants are in blue cities and states. In March, four mayors testified to Congress over their different sanctuary laws and policies. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Chicago’s Brandon Johnson, Denver’s Mike Johnston and New York City’s Eric Adams stood firm in their beliefs that immigrants were welcome in their communities.

The Trump administration, including the president’s border czar, Tom Homan, have been clear that they want to see the end of sanctuary policies. Homan has repeatedly said he believes they shield illegal immigrant criminals from federal agents. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced lawsuits against Chicago and Illinois, and New York state, over their programs.

A withdrawal of federal funding, worth billions of dollars for these states and cities, could drastically affect their ability to offer services from health care to education to social services.

On Thursday, officials in California reaffirmed that the state’s laws do not impede federal enforcement, and that local police and sheriff departments can work with them to catch and remove violent or serious offenders.

They also told Newsweek that immigrants without legal status contribute about $8.5 billion in state and local taxes each year, contributing to the welfare of their wider community.

At a more local level, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu is already challenging the Trump administration over its attempts to overturn sanctuary policies, echoing his predecessor’s efforts during the first Trump administration.

A spokesperson for Adams said that all immigrants should continue to access city services, while adding that there needed to be a way for local and federal officials to work together to get violent offenders out of New York City.

What People Are Saying

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, in a statement to Newsweek: “Trump cannot coerce cities into taking on the federal government’s immigration responsibilities. The Administration wants to commandeer local police officers as federal ICE agents while strong-arming local officials with threats of withholding federal funds.

“Trump is illegally asserting rights the federal government does not have, as courts already determined during the first Trump Administration. Eroding trust between our communities and local law enforcement will make us all less safe. The Administration’s actions are illegal and authoritarian, and our lawsuit seeks to put a stop to it.”

NYC City Hall press secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus told Newsweek in a statement: “Mayor Adams has been clear that no one living in New York City — regardless of their immigration status — should be afraid to utilize city resources, like calling 911 or sending their children to school. But we must also find ways to work with the federal government to go after violent offenders who are taking advantage of our laws to commit crimes. We will review the executive order if and when it is filed.”

President Donald Trump, in his Truth Social post: “No more Sanctuary Cities! They protect the Criminals, not the Victims. They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World. Working on papers to withhold all Federal Funding for any City or State that allows these Death Traps to exist!!!”

A spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in a statement: “The city of Chicago complies with all federal and state laws. Mayor Johnson’s administration will vigorously defend Chicagoans from any unconstitutional or unlawful attempts to strip residents of the funding and services they are entitled to.”

What Happens Next

While these cities and states appear committed to sticking with sanctuary policies, the withdrawal of large-scale funding could have a huge impact on all of their residents. The president is yet to officially present or sign any order about the funding.