U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is cracking down on sanctuary cities, sending a clear message: follow federal immigration laws or face the consequences.
Fox News reported that on Thursday, in Greenville, South Carolina, Bondi announced she sent letters to 32 mayors and several governors, giving them one week to align with federal immigration policies or face Department of Justice action, while temporarily overseeing Washington, D.C.’s police at President Trump’s request.
This bold move underscores a push for law enforcement unity, contrasting South Carolina’s cooperation with the defiance of states like New York and California. It’s a wake-up call for jurisdictions prioritizing politics over public safety.
Bondi’s letters targeted nearly three dozen cities, states, and counties identified as sanctuary jurisdictions by the DOJ just days prior.
These areas, including California, New York, Colorado, and Illinois, have faced lawsuits over policies shielding unauthorized migrants. A federal judge recently dismissed a DOJ lawsuit against Chicago, citing constitutional protections, which only fuels the fire for Bondi’s campaign.
In Greenville, Bondi joined a panel with South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, congressional members, and local law enforcement to highlight the state’s model cooperation.
“It starts at the top, and our leaders have to support our law enforcement,” Bondi told Fox News Digital, emphasizing the daily risks officers face. Her praise for South Carolina stings like a polite jab at sanctuary states dragging their feet.
South Carolina’s recent law enforcement wins include a Sinaloa Cartel member and a massive cocaine seizure in Myrtle Beach. In July 2025, a joint operation nabbed 156 pounds of fentanyl—enough to kill 36 million people—with a street value of $1.7 million. Two California brothers were indicted, proving cooperation yields results, unlike the chaos of sanctuary policies.
Bondi’s letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t mince words, warning that officials obstructing federal immigration efforts could face criminal charges.
“Individuals operating under the color of law… may be subject to criminal charges,” she wrote, signaling a no-nonsense approach. It’s a sharp reminder that defying federal law isn’t a free pass.
The DOJ’s crackdown follows President Trump’s directive to federal agencies to tie immigration compliance to grants and contracts. Congress has already codified state and local governments’ duty to cooperate with immigration enforcement. Sanctuary jurisdictions, like those in Delaware, Nevada, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C., are now on a tight leash.
Bondi’s announcement in Greenville wasn’t just talk; it was a flex of federal muscle. “Any sanctuary jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court,” she posted on social media. That’s a gauntlet thrown down with a smile.
While Bondi pushes for compliance, some jurisdictions dig in their heels. A federal judge’s ruling protecting Illinois’ sanctuary policies shows the legal battles ahead. It’s a classic case of progressive ideals clashing with federal authority, leaving taxpayers caught in the crossfire.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has cooperated with border czar Tom Homan, a move Bondi once criticized due to the city’s sanctuary status.
Yet, after Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s primary win in June 2025, the NYPD faced a surge in retirement filings. Officers are voting with their feet, tired of navigating a city that ties their hands.
Bondi’s call for backing law enforcement resonates deeply. “We have got to back the NYPD,” she urged, highlighting the need for leaders to support officers risking their lives daily. It’s a subtle dig at leaders like Adams, who play both sides while crime festers.
South Carolina’s Alan Wilson echoed Bondi’s concerns, pointing to the tragic case of Laken Riley, murdered in Georgia by someone released in New York.
“It affects us all when other states don’t step up,” Wilson told Fox News Digital. His words cut through the fog of sanctuary rhetoric, showing real-world consequences.
Bondi’s letters give jurisdictions one week to respond, with the DOJ promising litigation against holdouts. “Let’s see who responds and how they respond,” she told Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace, her tone dripping with anticipation. It’s a high-stakes game of chicken, and Bondi’s not blinking.
The DOJ’s focus isn’t just on lawsuits; it’s about dismantling policies that undermine safety. “The Department of Justice will… work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies,” Bondi stated. It’s a promise to restore order, one city at a time.
