Biden-appointed judge deals Trump another sanctuary city defeat in major immigration fight

What happened: A Biden-appointed judge dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against New York City's sanctuary policies, ruling the Justice Department lacked standing and that its preemption claims fail. Key numbers: The administration sued New York City in July 2025. Why it matters: The ruling is the latest setback for the administration's federal court challenges to sanctuary policies, following dismissals of similar lawsuits involving Boston, Los Angeles and Minnesota. Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated the decision.

A Biden-appointed judge dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against New York City's sanctuary policies, ruling the Justice Department lacked standing and that its preemption claims fail.

The ruling is the latest setback for the administration's federal court challenges to sanctuary policies, following dismissals of similar lawsuits involving Boston, Los Angeles and Minnesota. Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated the decision.