Judge blocks Trump from denying funds to 34 more ‘sanctuary’ cities, counties

Key Takeaways:

• A judge ruled against denying funds to 34 more sanctuary cities and counties.
• The order extends an earlier ruling that protected over a dozen areas already.
• Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle were part of the original protected group.
• The move reflects ongoing legal struggles over sanctuary policies.
• Published by The Associated Press through Oregon Local News on August 23, 2025.

Introduction

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds to 34 additional sanctuary cities and counties. This decision, reported by The Associated Press, builds upon a previous order that protected more than a dozen other municipalities from similar cuts.

The Expanded Ruling

Under this expanded ruling, cities that have chosen to adopt sanctuary policies remain entitled to receive federal funds. The judge’s order ensures these local governments will not lose critical financial support, effectively broadening the scope of an earlier measure that shielded municipalities like Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Background on Previous Protections

The earlier judicial decision, referenced in the new order, covered multiple cities and counties labeled as sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing that withholding funds on such grounds was unjust. By including 34 additional regions, the latest step cements the court’s stance against denying federal assistance based on sanctuary policies.

Wider Implications

While the original ruling safeguarded key localities, the expansion amplifies the significance of the court’s stand. Sanctuary jurisdictions often rely on federal funds to maintain essential community services, making any attempt to cut off these resources a high-stakes issue.

Conclusion

First published by Oregon Local News on August 23, 2025, this development spotlights an ongoing legal dispute over immigration and local governance. The strengthened court protections for 34 additional cities and counties underscore a broader judicial pushback on policies aimed at penalizing sanctuary jurisdictions, signaling that aid cutbacks for such areas remain legally contested.