United States President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration is actively preparing documents to withhold all federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities. These are jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in order to protect undocumented immigrants.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized these cities and states, stating, “No more Sanctuary Cities! They protect the Criminals, not the Victims. They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World. Working on papers to withhold all Federal Funding for any City or State that allows these Death Traps to exist.”

The announcement is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration aimed at curbing support for undocumented immigrants within U.S. borders. Trump previously signed an executive order to identify and terminate federal programs that provide financial assistance to undocumented immigrants and to block the allocation of federal funds to sanctuary cities.

Sanctuary cities have been a contentious issue in U.S. politics, with supporters arguing they enhance community safety and cooperation, while critics claim they obstruct federal immigration laws and shelter criminals. Trump’s comments reflect a hardline stance that aims to pressure local governments into compliance by threatening financial penalties.

Legal experts suggest that attempts to cut off federal funding to states or cities could face challenges in courts, particularly if the funding in question is not directly tied to immigration policy. Nonetheless, Trump’s move signals an escalation in his administration’s efforts to centralize immigration enforcement and penalize noncompliant jurisdictions.

It remains unclear when the proposed measures will take effect or which specific programs will be affected. However, the administration’s intent is to reinforce a federal-first approach to immigration policy as part of its broader national security and public safety platform.