Pam Bondi made headlines earlier this week when she was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas as President Donald Trump's new attorney general.

Bondi unveiled a number of initiatives on her first day, including one that will end funding for sanctuary jurisdictions. 

Defiant tone from sanctuary leaders

According to Newsweek, there are 13 states along with another 220 cities and counties which refuse to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters.

The Daily Wire reported that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has said she will "absolutely not" assist with identifying and removing those who are illegally in the country.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has gone further, suggesting that he would deploy local law enforcement and even ordinary citizens to thwart Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

"More than us having [Denver Police Department] stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there," he declared.

Johnston's remarks came shortly before 20-year-old Venezuelan national Jesus Alberto Pereira Castillo was arrested for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old Denver girl.

Bondi blocks funding, plans to target gangs and human traffickers

Yet as the New York Post reported, Bondi signed a memo on Wednesday directing that sanctuary jurisdictions "do not receive access to Federal funds from the Department."

BREAKING: US Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed the Department of Justice to pause all federal funding for sanctuary cities.

LET'S GO! pic.twitter.com/7R8ovygfPA

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 5, 2025

Consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, court orders, and terms, the Department of Justice shall pause the distribution of all funds until a review has been completed, terminate any agreements that are in violation of law or are a source of waste, fraud, or abuse, and initiate clawback or recoupment procedures, where appropriate," it added.

Breitbart noted how in addition to targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, Bondi also unveiled new efforts aimed at transnational gangs and human traffickers.

DOJ sues Illinois and Chicago over sanctuary policies

Meanwhile Reuters reported that the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Chicago and Illinois, arguing that the city and state are attempting to "interfere with and discriminate against" Trump's immigration policies.

The lawsuit seeks to block several laws, including the Illinois TRUST Act, which prohibits state and local authorities from assisting with federal immigration enforcement.

Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker responded with a tersely worded statement, saying, "Illinois will defend our laws that prioritize police resources for fighting crime while enabling state law enforcement to assist with arresting violent criminals."