Boston mayor rejects Trump’s sanctuary city deadline

Published August 19, 2025 5:02pm ET



Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is defying the Trump administration’s demand that sanctuary cities comply with federal immigration enforcement, declaring the city “will not back down” despite threats of funding cuts and lawsuits.

On Tuesday, Wu responded to United States Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter requiring Boston to submit a compliance plan by the federal deadline. The Department of Justice warned that failure to comply could result in civil suits and the loss of federal funding.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.