NEWARK, NJ — Newly sworn-in Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the Justice Department to suspend federal funding for sanctuary cities, according to a report.
Bondi’s directive, issued Wednesday, calls for a review of financial agreements with nongovernmental organizations that assist undocumented immigrants, Fox News Digital reported.
She also instructed the DOJ to investigate cases where sanctuary jurisdictions obstruct law enforcement efforts and to pursue legal action when necessary.
The policy shift aligns with President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, which has prioritized stricter enforcement against sanctuary cities.
Bondi’s order signals an aggressive approach to federal immigration policy within the early hours of her tenure.
The decision to halt federal funding for sanctuary cities could have significant consequences for New Jersey, a state with multiple jurisdictions that have adopted sanctuary policies.
New Jersey has several sanctuary cities, including Newark, Jersey City, and Camden, as well as a statewide directive limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These policies could put millions of dollars in federal grants at risk.
The affected funding may include grants for public safety, law enforcement, and community programs. Cities relying on these federal resources to support police departments, emergency services, and social programs could face budget shortfalls.
In past legal battles over sanctuary city funding, New Jersey officials have argued that withholding federal grants punishes local governments for policies meant to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has not yet commented on the federal funding freeze for sanctuary cities.
