Several Democratic-led cities across the United States are advancing new measures designed to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, setting up a potential legal and political confrontation with President Donald Trump’s administration.

City officials in a number of major urban centres have introduced or expanded so-called sanctuary policies that restrict local agencies from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal body responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the country.

Proposals under consideration include limiting information-sharing, declining to honor certain federal detention requests and barring the use of local resources in immigration operations.

Supporters of the measures argue they are intended to protect immigrant communities and preserve trust between residents and local law enforcement.

They say cooperation with federal immigration authorities can deter victims and witnesses from reporting crimes.

The Trump administration, which has made border security and interior enforcement central pillars of its agenda, has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding federal immigration law nationwide.

Officials have emphasized that immigration enforcement falls squarely under federal jurisdiction and have signaled that they are prepared to challenge local policies that they view as obstructing lawful operations.

President Trump has consistently framed stronger enforcement as essential to national security, public safety and the rule of law.

His administration has expanded detention capacity, accelerated deportation proceedings and pushed for closer coordination between federal and state authorities.

Federal officials argue that uniform enforcement standards are necessary to prevent jurisdictional gaps that could undermine immigration policy.

Legal analysts note that past disputes over sanctuary policies have often centered on constitutional questions regarding the balance of power between federal and local governments.

Courts have previously examined whether the federal government can compel cities to assist in immigration enforcement or withhold funding from jurisdictions that decline to cooperate.

The latest moves by Democratic-led municipalities come amid renewed debate over immigration policy, as federal authorities intensify operations in several regions.

With both sides signaling firm positions, the stage appears set for further litigation and political confrontation over the scope of federal authority and the autonomy of local governments.

The unfolding dispute underscores the continuing national divide over immigration enforcement, a defining issue in American politics and a central element of the Trump administration’s policy platform.