Trump Management Halts Chicago Infrastructure Funding Over Sanctuary City Policies
Washington D.C. – October 3, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT – The Trump administration has frozen federal infrastructure funds earmarked for Chicago, citing the cityS “sanctuary city” policies as the reason for the action. Russell Vought, the former Director of the Office of Management and Budget, confirmed the decision today, escalating a long-running dispute over immigration enforcement and federal funding.
The move impacts millions of dollars in potential infrastructure projects, jeopardizing planned improvements to Chicago’s transportation network and other critical public works. This action represents a renewed effort by the administration to leverage federal funding to compel cities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The city of Chicago has consistently maintained its commitment to welcoming immigrants and limiting local law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Vought stated the administration is acting to enforce existing policies regarding federal funding eligibility for municipalities that actively obstruct federal immigration laws. “we are freezing funds consistent with the president’s direction,” Vought said. “chicago’s policies are in direct violation of federal law, and we will not allow taxpayer dollars to subsidize defiance of immigration enforcement.”
The specific amount of funding currently frozen remains unclear, but sources indicate it encompasses grants and potential loans for various infrastructure initiatives. City officials have not yet released a extensive list of affected projects. The administration’s action follows repeated warnings to Chicago and other sanctuary cities regarding potential funding cuts.
This decision arrives amidst ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of federal funding in influencing local practices. The administration has previously attempted to withhold funds from other cities with similar policies,facing legal challenges in some instances. The city of Chicago is expected to challenge the funding freeze in court.
