The Trump administration is taking Los Angeles to federal court, blasting the city’s sanctuary policies as illegal, dangerous, and a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that LA’s sanctuary city laws actively obstruct federal immigration enforcement and undermine public safety. The lawsuit argues these policies prevent cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials, allowing criminal illegal aliens to avoid deportation while fueling lawlessness on the streets.

“The City of Los Angeles’ Sanctuary City laws are illegal,” the DOJ stated in its filing, adding that the policies “interfere with and discriminate against the Federal Government’s enforcement of federal immigration law.”

The lawsuit comes after weeks of chaos in Los Angeles, where violent anti-ICE protests spiraled into riots, looting, and vandalism that left government property defaced, cars torched, and streets littered with flags from foreign countries. According to federal prosecutors, the mayhem cost the city over $20 million in damages, forcing the Trump administration to deploy the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to restore order.

“The practical upshot of Los Angeles’ refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has, since June 6, 2025, been lawlessness, rioting, looting, and vandalism,” the DOJ declared in its complaint.

Los Angeles cemented its sanctuary status shortly after Trump’s re-election victory, joining other blue strongholds in defying the administration’s promise to ramp up deportations and crack down on illegal immigration. Under LA’s current policies, city resources—including personnel, facilities, and data—cannot be used to assist federal immigration enforcement, effectively shielding criminal illegal aliens from removal.

Critics argue these policies have turned Los Angeles into a haven for illegal immigrants while endangering law-abiding citizens and draining taxpayer resources.

The lawsuit against Los Angeles follows a wave of legal action by the Trump DOJ targeting sanctuary jurisdictions. The administration recently filed lawsuits against New York, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, and multiple New Jersey cities for similar anti-ICE policies.

Trump officials argue sanctuary policies embolden transnational gangs, increase cartel trafficking networks, and tie the hands of federal officers tasked with protecting American communities from violent criminals.

As the lawsuit escalates, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office has refused to comment, leaving city leaders to defend policies that have already sparked backlash for prioritizing illegal immigrants over the safety of American citizens.

The Trump administration’s move marks a clear message: cities that refuse to enforce immigration laws or cooperate with ICE will face consequences, especially as the administration expands deportation operations nationwide.