Trump Says Federal Funding Will Be Cut for Sanctuary Cities Starting February

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the federal government will stop providing funding to sanctuary cities and states beginning February 1, warning that jurisdictions with sanctuary policies will no longer receive federal payments. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said the decision is aimed at cities and states that, in his words, “do everything possible to protect criminals,” and claimed such policies contribute to fraud, crime, and broader public safety concerns.

Trump made the remarks while discussing investigations into alleged fraud cases in Minnesota, during which he also referenced Somali Americans and alleged that protests tied to immigration enforcement actions were “fake” riots against ICE operations. The comments immediately sparked strong reaction in New York, where local officials emphasized that city policies and legal obligations would not change in response to federal pressure.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded publicly, stating that New York’s laws and values “are not bargaining chips,” and said his administration would continue to defend New Yorkers even if federal funding is threatened. Later the same evening, at a news conference held for the appointment of a TLC commissioner, Mamdani said he had contacted the President directly to express opposition to the federal funding decision but had not yet received a response.

Mamdani also indicated that New York City is prepared to challenge any attempt to remove federal funding, noting that the city has faced threats from Washington before and has successfully fought them through legal and political channels. His remarks echoed the position of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, which said New York would cooperate with federal authorities on dangerous criminals but would oppose what it described as aggressive actions impacting immigrant families. A spokesperson for Hochul warned that any effort to cut off funding relied upon by New Yorkers would likely be met with legal action.

The issue has become part of a growing political debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local governments. In her recent State of the State Address, Hochul reiterated her support for measures that would allow New Yorkers to sue federal agents if constitutional rights are violated, while stopping short of endorsing the proposed New York For All Act, which would restrict cooperation between local officials and federal immigration enforcement.