in effect
Executive Order 14287, signed April 28, 2025, directs federal agencies to identify and penalize state and local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (commonly called “sanctuary” policies). It also instructs officials to review eligibility verification for federal benefits and to challenge state laws the administration considers to favor non-citizens over U.S. citizens.
Within 30 days of the order, the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security must publish a list of jurisdictions deemed to obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Jurisdictions placed on that list must be notified of their designation and of any federal criminal laws the administration believes they may be violating. Federal agency heads, working with the Office of Management and Budget, must then identify federal grants and contracts flowing to those jurisdictions that could be suspended or terminated. If a listed jurisdiction does not change its policies after notification, the Justice Department and DHS are directed to pursue legal action to compel compliance. Separately, DHS must develop guidance to ensure eligibility checks are performed before private entities distribute federal public benefits in sanctuary jurisdictions.
State and local governments that have policies limiting how much their employees cooperate with federal immigration authorities face potential loss of federal funding and possible federal litigation. Private organizations that administer federal benefit programs inside those jurisdictions may be subject to new eligibility-verification requirements. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens and reside in those jurisdictions could face stricter screening for federal public benefits.