White House Targets 'Criminal Aliens' with Immediate Enforcement Order
Published Date: 5/2/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The government is stepping up to protect American communities from dangerous criminals who enter the country illegally. This new order targets states and local officials who ignore federal immigration laws, making sure everyone follows the rules to keep us safe. Expect stronger enforcement soon, with serious legal and financial consequences for those who don’t comply.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Funds May Be Suspended
The order requires federal agencies, working with OMB, to identify Federal funds — including grants and contracts — that may be suspended or terminated for jurisdictions designated as "sanctuary jurisdictions." The Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security will publish such designations within 30 days of April 28, 2025.
Stopping Laws That Favor Noncitizens Over Americans
The Attorney General will identify and act to stop State or local laws, policies, or practices that favor aliens over groups of American citizens where such measures are unlawful or preempted by Federal law. The order specifically cites State laws that provide in-State higher education tuition to aliens but not to out-of-State American citizens and refers to 8 U.S.C. 1623.
Legal Action Against Defiant Jurisdictions
If a jurisdiction stays in defiance after receiving notice, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security will pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to bring it into compliance. The order links defiance to potential violations of federal criminal statutes cited in the order.
Benefit Eligibility Verification in Sanctuaries
The Secretary of Homeland Security, with the Attorney General, must develop guidance or rules to ensure eligibility verification for individuals receiving Federal public benefits as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1611(c) from private entities in a sanctuary jurisdiction. This applies whether verification is done by the private entity or by a government entity on its behalf.
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