Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Monday aimed at intensifying his administration’s crackdown on sanctuary cities and states. The directive will instruct the attorney general and the secretary of homeland security to compile a list of jurisdictions they believe are not adhering to federal immigration laws. This information is expected to be gathered within a month.
The move comes just days after a federal judge ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to withhold federal funding from over a dozen sanctuary areas. Many of these jurisdictions have resisted cooperating fully with the president’s stringent immigration enforcement measures, prompting Trump’s administration to escalate its focus on these regions.
A White House official indicated the purpose of the executive order is to confront Democratic-led states and cities that hinder federal immigration protocols. The president is anticipated to sign the order at 5 p.m. EDT, making it a centerpiece of his ongoing efforts to redefine immigration policy in the United States.
In a related political display, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey organized a sit-in protest on the steps of the Capitol. This demonstration, characterized as an “Urgent Conversation with the American People,” was aimed at opposing the proposed Republican budget plan. Democratic lawmakers joined them throughout the day, advocating for fiscal policies that protect social programs and community services. This event highlights growing tensions as Congress prepares to reconvene.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has faced backlash for recent deportations that have drawn concern from civil liberties advocates. In two separate cases, a federal judge condemned the swift removal of a two-year-old U.S. citizen and the deportation of a young mother from Florida, calling the process “meaningless.” Advocates from organizations such as the ACLU point to these incidents as alarming displays of governmental overreach and a lack of due process for documented immigrants.
On another front, two suspects were arrested in connection with the theft of a purse belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The theft occurred at a Washington, D.C., restaurant on Easter Sunday and involved personal items including cash and identification. The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement, led to the apprehension of individuals linked to the incident.
In discussions about Ukraine, Trump spoke optimistically about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting he might be open to ceding control of Crimea, a territory annexed by Russia in 2014. This assertion runs counter to Zelenskyy’s own firm stance that Crimea belongs to Ukraine. The two leaders recently met in Rome, and Trump expressed hope for progress in negotiations with Russia, although Zelenskyy maintains his position against the annexation.
As significant political developments unfold, Canadians are preparing for an election impacted by perceptions of Trump’s governance. Anger towards the U.S. president’s rhetoric and trade policies has permeated the campaign, shaping voter opinions as they head to the polls.
Overall, the upcoming week will be pivotal as various issues collide, from budget discussions in Congress to international relations strategies, reflecting the complicated landscape of U.S. politics under the Trump administration.