A federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to cut funding to sanctuary jurisdictions. The order halts enforcement of two 2025 executive orders and a Justice Department directive targeting cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Judge William Orrick ruled that the measures likely violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause, the principle of separation of powers, and the Tenth Amendment. He emphasized the "unambiguous" nature of the directives and noted their similarity to a previous effort from 2017, which was also blocked.

Orrick concluded that the plaintiffs—San Francisco, Santa Clara, and 14 other localities—face "irreparable harm" due to budget uncertainties and the undermining of public trust if the federal action were to proceed. The agencies involved must be formally notified of the injunction by April 28.

The ruling represents a significant legal obstacle for the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, with broader implications for federal and local government relations moving forward.