Donald Trump’s administration means business. They aren’t going to let Democrats defy the rule of law.
And this leading Trump official made a massive threat to blue state leaders that has them trembling in fear.
President Donald Trump’s declaration to launch the “single largest Mass Deportation Program in History” has ignited a fierce clash between his administration and Democratic strongholds, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy amplifying the tension by threatening to slash federal funding to states and cities that resist federal immigration enforcement.
The announcement, made on Truth Social, targets major urban centers like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, which Trump claims are Democratic powerhouses leveraging “Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens” to bolster their voter base.
Duffy took to X to issue a stark warning: “The USDOT [Department of Transportation] will NOT fund rogue state actors who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.” He doubled down, adding, “And to cities that stand by while rioters destroy transportation infrastructure — don’t expect a red cent from DOT, either. Follow the law, or forfeit the funding.”
The @USDOT will NOT fund rogue state actors who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
And to cities that stand by while rioters destroy transportation infrastructure — don’t expect a red cent from DOT, either. Follow the law, or forfeit the funding. https://t.co/cCRi4ALT23
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) June 16, 2025
This threat comes as the federal government plays a critical role in state infrastructure, funneling $44.8 billion in 2023, including $81.5 billion in state transfers, alongside emergency relief for natural disasters.
Sanctuary Policies Under Fire
The administration’s focus on so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions—states and cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities—has escalated tensions. Trump has repeatedly signaled plans to withhold federal funds from states like California and Maine over various policy disputes, including contentious issues like transgender athletes in women’s sports.
In response, California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has floated the idea of a federal tax boycott.
Protests and Unrest Erupt
The deportation campaign has already sparked unrest. Radical Leftist groups have organized protests nationwide, with demonstrations in Los Angeles earlier this month spiraling into riots.
Trump’s swift move to federalize the California National Guard to quell the chaos drew sharp criticism from local leaders, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Newsom took to X, slamming Trump’s strategy: “His plan is clear: Incite violence and chaos in blue states, have an excuse to militarize our cities, demonize his opponents, keep breaking the law and consolidate power. It’s illegal and we will not let it stand.”
Congressional Scrutiny and Shifting Priorities
Last week, the GOP-led House Oversight Committee grilled Democratic governors from Minnesota, Illinois, and New York—Tim Walz, JB Pritzker, and Kathy Hochul—over their states’ sanctuary policies, further highlighting the divide.
Meanwhile, Trump has hinted at scaling back enforcement in sectors like agriculture and services, but his Sunday proclamation reaffirmed a hardline stance on urban centers.
“ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” he stated.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
