Response Center
Real-time analysis of Trump-Vance administration actions, to support legal challenges and provide resources for the pro-democracy community.
The Trump-Vance Administration is trying to
Prioritize federal immigration law enforcement at the expense of law enforcement priorities and states’ rights
Let others know:
This memo directs U.S. Attorneys to prioritize immigration-related offenses and threatens local officials with prosecution if they do not enforce federal immigration policies.
Interim Policy Changes Regarding Charging, Sentencing, and Immigration Enforcement
January 21, 2025
As an initial matter, by directing Department of Justice (DOJ) officials and federal-state taskforces to prioritize the enforcement of immigration-related offenses with this memo, DOJ is de-prioritizing and undermining the enforcement of many other laws that keep our communities safe. Additionally, this memo tries to compel, under the threat of prosecution, state and local officials to enforce federal immigration law. Such coercion undermines the ability of local and state law enforcement to prioritize what they need to in order to keep their communities safe. Taken as a whole, this DOJ memo reads as an attempt to threaten, if not prohibit, cities across America from providing sanctuary to those in this country seeking refuge.
People are fighting back
How communities are responding
Democracy 2025 and our partners are ready to counter threats to people's rights, justice, and equality in courtrooms and communities across the country. Learn more about how people and communities are responding to this harmful policy:
Join the Fight for Democracy
Help us counter unlawful, anti-democratic actions from the Trump-Vance administration and protect people, freedom, and justice.
