President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order targeting sanctuary cities, directing the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security to identify these cities and urge them to comply with federal immigration laws or risk losing federal funding. This move is part of Trump's broader effort to expedite deportations, a key promise from his campaign, but sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have been a significant barrier. The order mandates Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to pursue legal actions to ensure compliance and to prevent residents in sanctuary cities from receiving federal benefits. This executive action follows a federal judge's decision to block the administration's previous attempts to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities, citing constitutional violations. The tension between federal authority and sanctuary jurisdictions has escalated, with high-profile crimes committed by illegal immigrants in these areas intensifying the controversy.

President Trump plans to sign an executive order that targets sanctuary cities, requiring them to comply with federal immigration laws or face losing federal funding. The order is part of his push to quicken deportations, fulfilling a campaign promise.

Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, which Trump claims obstructs his administration's efforts to enforce immigration laws and remove public safety threats.

The executive order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to use legal measures to compel sanctuary cities to comply and to ensure residents in these cities do not receive federal public benefits.

Despite the executive order, a federal judge recently blocked Trump's administration from cutting federal funds to sanctuary cities, citing constitutional principles and the separation of powers.

The order arrives amid heightened tensions between the federal government and sanctuary jurisdictions, with debates surfacing in congressional hearings and criticism of policies in Democrat-led cities.

High-profile crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities have fueled controversy and criticism of these jurisdictions, with ICE facing challenges in enforcement due to non-cooperation.

Trump has publicly criticized sanctuary cities, claiming they protect criminals over victims and has vowed to withhold federal funding from cities and states that maintain sanctuary policies.