Cook County officials blast Trump administration, promise to fight

[February 08, 2025]  By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Despite being named in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Cook County officials are promising to fight back against policies being implemented by the Trump administration.

The DOJ asked a federal judge to declare state and local immigrant sanctuary laws unconstitutional under the federal government’s supremacy clause. The lawsuit alleges that the named officials are exacerbating the nation’s border crisis and thwarting federal officials with sanctuary city policies.

"We're going to get back to the core function of what our government, our law enforcement, was intended to do: prosecute violent criminals and get them off our streets," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News' "Hannity" Thursday.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart were named in the lawsuit along with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.

“We’re gonna fight back. We will pursue every legal opportunity to defend the programs that we believe in and defend our values,” Preckwinkle said.

Preckwinkle and other county officials spoke at a news conference on Thursday.

Preckwinkle said county officials would protect undocumented immigrants.

“Our public defender’s office is playing a key role in this fight. They have been working to provide legal representation to our immigrants facing deportation, ensuring that due process isn’t a privilege reserved for just a few,” Preckwinkle said.

Preckwinkle and other county officials blasted Trump administration policies.

Cook Country Board President Toni Preckwinkle
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“They represent an intentionally cruel and coordinated effort to dismantle the progress we’ve made and America’s promise for the future. This is especially true when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Trump administration is trying to dismantle equity-focused programs at every level of government,” Preckwinkle said.

Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada called the Trump administration’s policies “un-American.”

“When funding for health care is threatened, we will protect it. When immigrant, queer and Black communities are targeted, we will stand in their defense,” Quezada said.

President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from jurisdictions that do not comply with federal law. A memo Bondi issued Wednesday said sanctuary jurisdictions should not receive access to federal grants administered by the DOJ.

“Additionally, to the extent consistent with applicable statutes, regulation, and terms, the Department may seek to tailor future grants to promote a lawful system of immigration, and to reduce efforts by state and local jurisdictions to undermine a lawful system of immigration,” Wednesday’s memo said.

Preckwinkle said the county receives 111 federal grants totaling $746 million.

“We don’t believe all these grants are in jeopardy, but a pause to these funds would really be harmful to our residents and the work we’re doing,” Preckwinkle said.

Greg Bishop contributed to this story.