Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Suit Against LA Sanctuary City Ordinance
A judge dismissed the Trump administration’s suit against LA’s sanctuary city law on June 23, 2026.
Why it matters: The ruling reinforces local and state authority in immigration enforcement, limiting federal reach in sanctuary city policies, which affects many jurisdictions and legal advisors.
- June 23, 2026: Federal judge dismissed the Justice Department lawsuit against Los Angeles.
- The judge ruled the administration failed to show federal preemption over LA’s sanctuary ordinance.
- Similar rulings occurred in 2025-2026 for Colorado, Illinois, and San Francisco sanctuary policies.
- These decisions emphasize constitutional limits on federal power over state and local immigration enforcement.
On June 23, 2026, a federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit challenging Los Angeles’ sanctuary city ordinance. The judge found that the Justice Department failed to demonstrate federal preemption over the city’s immigration enforcement policies, effectively upholding Los Angeles’ local authority.
This decision builds on a series of recent rulings limiting federal power in sanctuary city disputes. In March 2026, U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher dismissed a similar federal lawsuit against Colorado and Denver, citing the 10th Amendment and stating, "The Federal Government does not have the power to direct the Colorado legislature or Colorado state and local officials in such a fashion."
Earlier rulings include a July 2025 decision in Chicago where a judge rejected federal attempts to overturn Illinois sanctuary policies, affirming that "The Constitution permits state and local government to determine local priorities without interference from the federal government," according to Edwin C. Yohnka of the ACLU of Illinois.
Additionally, in August 2025, Judge William Orrick of San Francisco blocked efforts by the Trump administration to cut federal funding from 34 sanctuary cities and counties, labeling such actions unconstitutional.
These consistent judicial decisions underscore constitutional boundaries that protect state and local governance autonomy, particularly in setting immigration enforcement priorities. Legal professionals advising municipalities and states should note the judiciary's reaffirmation of local control in this contentious policy area.
By the numbers:
- June 23, 2026 — Date the judge dismissed the lawsuit against Los Angeles.
- March 31, 2026 — Date Judge Gallagher dismissed the lawsuit against Colorado and Denver.
- August 23, 2025 — Date Judge Orrick blocked the administration from cutting funding to sanctuary cities.