United States v. State of Illinois
Case Overview
The United States government sued the state of Illinois over its sanctuary cities, citing President Trump's executive orders "Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States" and "Protecting the American People Against Invasion." The suit alleges that the policies preventing assistance to federal immigration authorities violates the Supremacy Clause and asks that the court prevent the state from enforcing the TRUST Act, the Way Forward Act, Cook County Ordinance, and the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance.
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The Application
Illinois's sanctuary statutes (TRUST Act, Way Forward Act) and local ordinances restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The United States alleges these policies directly conflict with and frustrate executive orders mandating enhanced immigration enforcement at the southern border.
The Conclusion
The Northern District of Illinois issued a decision in February 2025, with Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins addressing the preemption claim against Illinois's sanctuary city framework.
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Case Analysis
Overview
The United States government sued the state of Illinois over its sanctuary cities, citing President Trump's executive orders "Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States" and "Protecting the American People Against Invasion." The suit alleges that the policies preventing assistance to federal immigration authorities violates the Supremacy Clause and asks that the court prevent the state from enforcing the TRUST Act, the Way Forward Act, Cook County Ordinance, and the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance.
Overview
The United States challenged an Illinois law that allows undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition.
Overview
The Trump administration sued Illinois over a state law signed on Dec. 9 that purports to subject federal immigration officers to civil liability and punitive damages while acting under federal authority and includes a ban on “civil arrests” on state courthouse grounds and within 1,000 feet of the courthouse.
Issue
Whether Illinois sanctuary city policies that restrict state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities violate the Supremacy Clause and conflict with federal executive orders on immigration enforcement.
Rule
Under the Supremacy Clause, federal law preempts conflicting state law and states may not obstruct federal enforcement; however, states are not generally required to affirmatively assist federal agencies. Executive orders carry the force of law only when authorized by statute.
Analysis
Illinois's sanctuary statutes (TRUST Act, Way Forward Act) and local ordinances restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The United States alleges these policies directly conflict with and frustrate executive orders mandating enhanced immigration enforcement at the southern border.
Conclusion
The Northern District of Illinois issued a decision in February 2025, with Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins addressing the preemption claim against Illinois's sanctuary city framework.
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