The Trump administration has brought a lawsuit against Los Angeles, disputing the city’s sanctuary-city ordinance.

How the Dispute Began

Soon after Donald Trump won re-election in 2024, the Los Angeles City Council adopted an ordinance that wrote long-standing sanctuary practices into municipal law. Approved in November, the measure bars any city funds, facilities or personnel from being used to enforce federal immigration law.

Key Clauses of the Ordinance

• No use of city resources for immigration enforcement – City employees, property and money may not assist federal agents.

• Strict data-sharing limits – The ordinance forbids both direct and indirect transfer of information about residents to immigration authorities, closing what council members called “an important gap” in immigrant protections.

The Justice Department’s Lawsuit

Filed Monday, the complaint asserts that Los Angeles’ rules “interfere with and discriminate against the Federal Government’s enforcement of federal immigration law.” According to the suit, the city’s refusal to cooperate after the ordinance took effect on June 6, 2025 produced “lawlessness, rioting, looting, and vandalism.” The turmoil, DOJ says, was severe enough for the Federal Government to send in the California National Guard and U.S. Marines.

Constitutional Argument

Federal lawyers contend that by blocking assistance and information-sharing, Los Angeles is obstructing federal duties in violation of the Supremacy Clause.

Federal Officials Sound Off

Attorney General Pamela Bondi put it bluntly:

“Sanctuary policies were the driving cause of the violence, chaos and attacks on law enforcement that Americans recently witnessed in Los Angeles. Jurisdictions that elevate illegal aliens over American citizens undermine every level of law enforcement – and that ends under President Trump.”

What Happens Next?

If a court agrees with the Justice Department, Los Angeles could be compelled to alter or repeal the ordinance. The case also re-ignites the national debate over whether local governments may reject cooperation with federal immigration agents without running afoul of the Constitution.