DOJ sues Chicago for ‘thwarting’ federal law with ‘sanctuary city’ policies

• The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago. The lawsuit accuses city, county and state authorities of “thwarting” federal immigration law over several years.
• The complaint claims that Illinois laws make it harder for federal authorities to detain dangerous criminals.
• The lawsuit also said state laws facilitate criminals’ release into the community.

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The Trump administration sued the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago and local officials over laws creating a so-called “sanctuary city.” In the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice Thursday, Feb. 6, federal prosecutors argue that local and state laws violate federal immigration law.

The legal filing comes a day after the U.S. Senate confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi, who immediately issued a memo restricting sanctuary cities from accessing Justice Department funds.

It also follows several immigration actions in the first weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency, including beefed up deportation efforts and executive orders to restrict birthright citizenship and declare an invasion at the Southern border.

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What’s included in the lawsuit?

Thursday’s lawsuit mentions Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance and Illinois’ Trust Act, which prevent local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement and from sharing information about criminals’ immigration status with federal immigration authorities.

The DOJ wants the court to block the laws, saying they are unconstitutional.

The lawsuit also claimed the immigration policies make it harder for federal authorities to detain individuals, including dangerous criminals, and make it easier for those criminals to be released back into the community.

The complaint stated that federal officers are put in tough situations when state and local law enforcement limit the sharing of basic information and block federal officers from accessing people in local custody when they’re released.

How are Illinois officials responding?

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker posted to X Thursday in response to the lawsuit.

“On the day after the election, I made a promise to the people of Illinois: when it comes to threats to our freedom, health, or security, if you come for my people, you come through me,” Pritzker said. 

On the day after the election, I made a promise to the people of Illinois: when it comes to threats to our freedom, health, or security, if you come for my people, you come through me.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) February 6, 2025

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle commented Thursday on defending against the Trump administration’s policies.

“We’re going to fight back,” Preckwinkle told ABC 7 News. “We will pursue every legal opportunity to defend the programs that we believe in and defend our values.”

The Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff are also named in the complaint, but neither have commented on the lawsuit. 

The day before President Donald Trump took office, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson voiced his opposition to Trump’s immigration reforms. 

In a post to X, Johnson said, “Chicago stands strong: regardless of the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering. We will continue to fight for the justice and safety of all who call this place home.” 

Chicago stands strong: regardless of the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering. We will continue to fight for the justice and safety of all who call this place home. https://t.co/x30vx76MXz

— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) January 19, 2025

Chicago’s Mayor set to testify before Congress

The DOJ’s lawsuit comes as Johnson is set to testify before Congress regarding the city’s sanctuary status.

The hearing, scheduled for Feb. 11, will focus on alleged consequences of sanctuary policies in Chicago and other cities.

ICE statistics

According to ICE, from 2016 to 2025, federal agents arrested 13,564 noncitizens in Illinois.

Thursday’s complaint says that many of those arrested faced serious charges, including assault, theft, and drug or sex-related offenses, the lawsuit claims.