The United Kingdom has confirmed its first public joint airstrike with the United States against Houthi forces in Yemen, marking a renewed phase in the international military effort to curb attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea.
The Royal Air Force struck what it described as a "cluster of buildings" south of the capital, Sanaa, used by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels to manufacture drones. These drones have played a central role in the group’s ongoing attacks on commercial vessels and US Navy warships operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The strikes, carried out on Tuesday night, involved Typhoon fighter jets deploying precision-guided munitions in an operation that British defense officials say was carefully planned to minimize harm to civilians and non-military infrastructure.
“All RAF aircraft returned safely,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement released Wednesday morning. “This operation was consistent with our long-standing commitment to defend freedom of navigation and protect international shipping.”
The Houthis, who control significant portions of northern Yemen, have launched dozens of attacks on vessels in international waters since November 2023. The group claims its campaign is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas last October.
These strikes have paralyzed shipping in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, causing a reported 55% decline in Red Sea traffic and inflating global trade costs.
British Defense Secretary John Healey said the Houthi actions are destabilizing the region and impacting the UK economy. “We cannot allow hostile forces to shut down global trade routes with impunity,” he said. “The cost of inaction would be far greater.”
The latest joint UK-US operation comes amid a much larger campaign led by Washington, dubbed Operation Rough Rider. Launched by the Trump administration in mid-March, the campaign has seen over 800 airstrikes targeting Houthi missile sites, oil refineries, drone storage, and command centers.
Despite the sheer scale of the bombardment, US officials admit progress has been uneven. Houthi militants have adapted by dispersing equipment and relying on rugged terrain to shield key sites.
They’ve also successfully shot down several American drones, each worth millions of dollars, complicating US efforts to escalate to what officials refer to as “phase two” of the operation.
On Monday, the conflict took a darker turn after Houthi sources accused the US of bombing a detention center in Saada that was holding African migrants. Local reports claimed dozens were killed. In response, US Central Command said it was investigating the claims and conducting a full battle-damage assessment.
Just two weeks earlier, another US airstrike on the Ras Isa oil terminal reportedly left over 70 dead. Both incidents have drawn sharp rebukes from humanitarian groups, which warn of growing civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, already reeling from years of war.
In an effort to economically isolate the Houthis, the US Treasury announced new sanctions this week targeting three shipping companies accused of transporting oil and gas to ports controlled by the rebels. Washington hopes to choke off financial flows that help the group buy weapons and sustain its operations.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran have condemned the airstrikes, accusing the US and UK of stoking regional instability. Iran has denied arming the Houthis, although evidence gathered by UN investigators and Western intelligence agencies points to Tehran’s deep involvement.
As drone threats escalate in the region, NATO naval forces have adapted their defensive strategies. Warships are increasingly relying on conventional deck-mounted guns to neutralize low-cost aerial drones, a shift that defense analysts say reflects both strategic efficiency and economic necessity.
These systems provide a quicker, more sustainable alternative to deploying high-cost missile interceptors against inexpensive unmanned threats.
“The Red Sea is emerging as a proving ground for modern naval warfare,” said a senior Western defense official. “What we’re witnessing is the rapid evolution of counter-drone tactics in response to asymmetric threats.”
Trump Executive Order Threatens Sanctuary Cities’ Federal Funding
Clifford Chance Names 31 New Partners in Latest Promotion Round
Schubert Jonckheer Investigates Estée Lauder Over Securities Claims
Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Says Ozempic Led to Blindness
Catherine Austin Fitts Talks Legal Elites with Tucker Carlson
Clifford Chance has announced the promotion of 31 lawyers to its global partnership, effective 1 May 2025. The new partners span a broad range of jurisdictions and practice areas, underscoring the firm’s continued investment in top legal talent and commitment to clients worldwide.
Charles Adams, Global Managing Partner, said:
"We’re proud to recognize these outstanding lawyers who reflect our collaborative culture and unwavering focus on delivering excellence for our clients. These promotions align with our global growth strategy and the evolving needs of the markets we serve."
Adrian Cartwright, Global Senior Partner, added:
"Congratulations to our new partners. Each of them brings a combination of deep legal knowledge and commercial acumen, empowering us to serve clients with the full strength of our international platform."
This year’s promotions highlight the firm’s strategic focus on sectors such as global financial markets, corporate law, litigation, tax, and employment, as well as its ongoing expansion in key financial and regulatory hubs across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S.
Aleksander Tombiński – Corporate, Brussels
Alex Hutcheson – Global Financial Markets, London
Alex Walker – Corporate, London
Alim Amershi – Global Financial Markets, London
Amy Bird – Tax, Pensions & Employment, London
Ben Jasper – Litigation & Dispute Resolution, London
Catherine Naroz – Corporate, Paris
Chiara Commis – Global Financial Markets, Milan
Chin Seng Chew – Global Financial Markets, Singapore
Chloe Cheng – Corporate, Singapore
Corinne Duvnjak – Global Financial Markets, Paris
Ernst van der Touw – Corporate, Amsterdam
Felipe Font – Global Financial Markets, Madrid
Guy Burkitt – Litigation & Dispute Resolution, London
Herbert Swaniker – Corporate, London
Jean-Baptiste Merigot de Treigny – Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Paris
Jesús Quesada – Global Financial Markets, Madrid
Karolina Rozycka – Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Paris
Leonhard Rudolph – Real Estate, London
Mel Chan – Global Financial Markets, Singapore
Michael Van Arsdall – Corporate, Washington, DC
Nicolas Cookson – Global Financial Markets, Düsseldorf
Olivia Higgs – Corporate, London
Patrick Meniru – Corporate, London
Pierre Goyat – Tax, Pensions & Employment, Paris
Samuel Frommelt – Corporate, Munich
Simon Connor – Global Financial Markets, London
Sohini Kar-Purkayastha – Global Financial Markets, Dubai
Thea Gausel – Global Financial Markets, London
Tiemen Drenth – Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Amsterdam
Tobias Nogami Kamerling – Corporate, Düsseldorf
Clifford Chance is a global law firm with over a century of history and a presence in 23 countries through 34 offices. A member of the prestigious Magic Circle, the firm is recognized for its deep expertise in banking, corporate law, finance, dispute resolution, and tax. It advises a broad spectrum of clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and not-for-profits by combining international best practices with local market insight. Known for its collaborative culture and forward-thinking approach, Clifford Chance delivers innovative, high-quality legal solutions across every major industry and sector.
DLA Piper has advised Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. as the sole book-running manager in the successful US$253 million initial public offering (IPO) of Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. III, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. III was formed with the goal of executing a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more companies.
“It was a pleasure to once again work with the Cantor team, and we are proud to showcase our leading capabilities and extensive experience in advising on SPAC transactions.” said Stephen P. Alicanti, DLA Piper partner who led the deal.
DLA Piper team was led by Alicanti (New York) and included Christine Lehr, of counsel (Raleigh), and Jordyn Giannone, associate (New York).
Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., founded in 1945, is a global financial services firm headquartered in New York City with over 60 offices in 20+ countries and around 12,500 employees. The firm specializes in investment banking, capital markets, prime brokerage, asset management, and SPAC advisory. Howard Lutnick led the firm through major growth and its recovery after losing 658 employees on 9/11. In 2025, Lutnick became U.S. Secretary of Commerce, succeeded by his son Brandon Lutnick, with three co-CEOs. That same year, Cantor launched a $3.6B crypto venture, Twenty One Capital.
DLA Piper is a global law firm with a strong reputation for providing legal services across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. With offices in more than 40 countries, the firm offers comprehensive legal solutions in areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, and regulatory matters. DLA Piper serves a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, governments, and individuals, delivering innovative and strategic advice. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, providing tailored legal expertise to address complex, cross-border issues while maintaining a commitment to exceptional client service.
Morgan Lewis Expands Global Tax Team with Andrew Callaghan in London
Schubert Jonckheer Investigates Estée Lauder Over Investor Concerns
Catherine Austin Fitts Talks Legal Elites with Tucker Carlson
Martinelli’s Apple Juice Recall: Legal Risks and Consumer Impacts
A recent interview with former Bush administration official Catherine Austin Fitts, offered a sharp critique of America’s ruling class and the legal system, alleging that both played a central role in the nation's economic and institutional decline.
Speaking with Tucker Carlson on his independent media platform, Catherine Fitts pulled no punches. According to her, a devastating shift unfolded during the 1990s, one that saw America’s political, corporate, and legal elites abandon national interests in favor of their own financial gain.
"It wasn’t an accident," Fitts said. "It was a decision. A decision to strip the country of its assets, hollow out its communities, and leave ordinary Americans to deal with the wreckage."
Former Bush administration official Catherine Austin Fitts on how America’s leaders gave up on the country in the 1990s, began stealing trillions and built a digital prison to control the population.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:11) The Attempts to Control the World’s Currency
(12:09)… pic.twitter.com/hreoSfTRcc— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) April 28, 2025
What stands out isn’t just the accusation of betrayal, it’s the central role she claims the legal profession played in paving the way.
Fitts outlined a pattern that will sound grimly familiar to many attorneys and policy watchers: laws, contracts, and court decisions quietly crafted not for the public good, but for private enrichment.
Among the tactics she cited:
Trade agreements that devastated American manufacturing.
Privatization deals that shifted public assets into private hands.
Deregulation that gutted consumer and worker protections.
Strategic litigation and judicial appointments that tilted the playing field further toward the powerful.
At nearly every critical juncture, she argues, lawyers were the ones designing the framework — ensuring that the system served those already at the top.
"Lawyers weren’t just bystanders," Catherine Fitts said. "They were architects."
Fitts’s warning comes as trust in the American legal system hits new lows. A recent Gallup survey shows confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court and the judiciary slipping to levels not seen in decades.
She argues that unless the legal community confronts its role in this shift, the gap between the law’s ideals and its reality will only widen.
"If lawyers are only working to help the powerful consolidate more power, then who’s left to defend the people who actually need the law?" Catherine Fitts said.
Across the United States, concerns over economic inequality, deteriorating infrastructure, and declining public trust in institutions continue to grow.
According to Catherine Austin Fitts, these challenges are not the result of random misfortune. They are the predictable consequences of legal and policy decisions made decades ago, shaped and endorsed by influential figures within the nation's legal and political systems.
Without meaningful reform, America’s legal foundations risk continuing to erode, not from external threats, but from within.
Morgan Lewis Expands Global Tax Team as Andrew Callaghan Joins in London
Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Claims Ozempic Caused Blindness
NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe, 56, is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit over sexual assault allegations, shaking his career and public image.
On April 21, 2025, Gabriella Zuniga, a model and content creator best known for her work on OnlyFans, filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against Sharpe in Clark County, Nevada. Identifying initially as "Jane Doe," Zuniga accuses Sharpe of rape, sexual assault, battery, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to court documents, the pair’s relationship began in 2023 when Zuniga was 19 years old. She claims Sharpe engaged in non-consensual sexual acts, secretly recorded explicit videos without her consent, and subjected her to repeated emotional abuse and threats throughout their time together.

Gabriella Zuniga (@sheiskarli Instagram)
Shannon Sharpe has categorically denied the allegations. Through his attorneys, he described the lawsuit as a "shakedown attempt," and released a series of text messages that, he argues, illustrate a consensual relationship.
In response, Zuniga’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Tony Buzbee, released audio recordings they allege capture Sharpe making aggressive and threatening remarks.
The scandal surrounding Sharpe deepened further when Michele Bundy Evans, a former girlfriend, came forward with renewed accusations. Evans claims that during their decade-long relationship, which ended in 2010, Sharpe repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct and issued threats.
Although Evans sought an order of protection at the time, her request was denied. Legal proceedings connected to her claims remain active.
In the wake of mounting public scrutiny, Sharpe announced that he would temporarily step away from his duties at ESPN’s First Take. In a brief statement, he said he would use the time to "focus on his family and address these serious allegations."
Sources close to the network suggest Sharpe hopes to return before the 2025 NFL season kicks off, though his future at the network remains uncertain.
Leading global law firm Dentons has advised NET4GAS, the Czech Republic’s sole gas transmission operator, on securing a CZK 4 billion refinancing facility aimed at strengthening its financial position and supporting the modernization of the nation's energy infrastructure.
Announced on April 11, 2025, the refinancing marks an important milestone for NET4GAS as it works to navigate shifting market dynamics and increasing regulatory demands across Europe’s energy sector.
The fresh financing was arranged by a syndicate of leading Czech banks, including Komerční banka, Česká spořitelna, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Všeobecná úverová banka. Legal advice to the lenders was provided by CMS.
The transaction follows Fitch Ratings’ upgrade of NET4GAS’s Issuer Default Rating to ‘BBB-’ in December 2024, signaling growing investor confidence in the company’s financial strength and long-term strategy.
With the refinancing facility now secured, NET4GAS has moved proactively to manage upcoming debt maturities while reinforcing its operational resilience.
In an increasingly competitive and regulated energy environment, the deal also highlights Dentons’ continuing leadership in high-profile financings across Central Europe. The firm’s cross-disciplinary team worked closely with NET4GAS throughout the negotiation process to deliver favorable terms and a streamlined execution.
As NET4GAS looks to the future, the refinancing ensures it remains well-positioned to meet the Czech Republic’s evolving energy needs and invest in the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Dentons’ advisory team was led by partners Jiří Tomola and Ondřej Bartoň, with support from counsel Rainer Frank, senior associates Martin Fiala and Jan Kořistka, and junior associates Miroslav Sýkora and Jan Juráš. Drawing on deep expertise in banking, finance, and energy law, the team guided NET4GAS through the complex refinancing process to a successful close.
NET4GAS, s.r.o. is the exclusive natural gas transmission system operator in the Czech Republic. Headquartered in Prague, the company operates over 3,800 kilometers of high-pressure pipelines and transports more than 45 billion cubic meters of gas annually.
Established in 2005 following the unbundling of RWE Transgas and acquired in 2013 by a consortium of Allianz Capital Partners and Borealis Infrastructure, NET4GAS plays a key role in connecting European energy markets.
Its infrastructure, including the major Gazela pipeline, serves both domestic distribution and international transit. With approximately 500 employees, NET4GAS is committed to operational excellence, energy security, and supporting Europe's transition to a sustainable energy future.
Dentons, founded in 2013, is the world’s largest law firm, operating in over 80 countries. With its unique polycentric structure, Dentons offers clients access to top-tier legal talent and deep local insight across key global markets. The firm is recognized for its commitment to innovation, client service, and helping organizations navigate complex legal and business challenges in a rapidly evolving world.
Morgan Lewis Expands Global Tax Team as Andrew Callaghan Joins in London
Schubert Jonckheer Investigates Estée Lauder Over Potential Securities Violations
Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Claims Ozempic Caused His Blindness
Martinelli’s Apple Juice Recall Raises New Legal Risks for Food Industry
S. Martinelli & Company announced a sweeping recall in April 2025, pulling more than 170,000 bottles of its popular apple juice from shelves nationwide.
The recall, initiated voluntarily, follows the discovery of potentially elevated levels of patulin — a toxic substance produced by molds that grow on apples.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall is classified as Class II, meaning that while the risk of serious health problems is relatively low, consumption of the affected product could still cause temporary or medically reversible adverse effects.
Understanding Patulin: A Hidden Threat in Apple Products
Patulin is not a household name, but it’s a toxin that food safety experts take seriously. Produced by species of mold commonly found on apples and other fruits, patulin can survive the pasteurization process if contaminated fruit slips through quality control.
Exposure to high levels of patulin may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort. In more severe cases, it has the potential to damage vital organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
So far, no illnesses linked to Martinelli’s recalled juice have been reported. Nevertheless, the company, based in Watsonville, California, moved swiftly to remove the affected batches from the market, a decision likely aimed at limiting both health risks and legal fallout.
Details of the Recall
The recall targets 7,234 cases of 10-ounce glass bottles sold in four-packs, easily identifiable by their white metal screw-top lids. The affected bottles bear the UPC code 0 41244 04102 2 and a best-by date of December 5, 2026.
These products were distributed across 28 states, including major markets like California, New York, Texas, and Florida, meaning the impact of the recall is likely to be significant both logistically and reputationally.
Consumers who purchased the recalled juice are advised not to drink it. Instead, they should either discard the bottles or return them to the store where they were purchased to receive a full refund.
Potential Legal Ramifications for Martinelli’s
While Martinelli’s response has so far been swift and transparent, that may not be enough to stave off potential legal challenges. Food recalls, even when managed responsibly, can open the door to a range of lawsuits, including:
Product liability claims, where plaintiffs argue the company failed to ensure the safety of its goods.
Consumer fraud or deceptive trade practices claims, especially if it’s alleged that Martinelli’s misrepresented the purity of its product.
Breach of contract disputes between Martinelli’s and its retail partners or suppliers.
Moreover, businesses that suffer losses from the recall, such as grocery chains or restaurants, might seek indemnification or damages, adding another layer of complexity to the company’s legal exposure.
Martinelli & Company has encountered legal challenges in recent years, primarily related to product safety concerns involving their apple juice.
Arsenic Contamination and Class Action Lawsuit (2024)
In 2024, Martinelli's faced a class action lawsuit alleging that the company failed to disclose the presence of inorganic arsenic in its apple juice products.
The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, claimed that independent testing revealed arsenic levels exceeding the FDA's action level of 10 parts per billion.
Plaintiff Barbara Seaman argued that Martinelli's recall process was inadequate, requiring consumers to return the product for a refund, an impractical step for many who had already consumed or discarded the juice.
The suit accused the company of misleading consumers and violating New York's General Business Law.
Tax Dispute with Washington State Department of Revenue
Martinelli's was also involved in a legal dispute with the Washington State Department of Revenue concerning the tax classification of its products.
The case revolved around whether certain items should be taxed as food or as carbonated beverages, classifications that carry different tax implications under state law.
The outcome of this case had potential financial consequences for the company’s operations within Washington State and highlighted the ongoing complexities businesses face in navigating varying tax regulations across jurisdictions.
Morgan Lewis is expanding its global tax bench with the arrival of Andrew Callaghan, a seasoned tax adviser who joins the firm's London office from Milbank.
Andrew Callaghan brings extensive experience advising on the tax implications of domestic and international corporate and finance transactions, as well as providing structuring and consultancy services across a broad range of industries.
"London is a hub for global transactions and investments, where tax considerations are increasingly pivotal and Andrew’s broad tax experience enhances our ability to guide clients through these complex deals. With a proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, structured transactions, and fund matters, Andrew’s arrival creates strong synergy with our teams locally and globally.” said Jami McKeon, Chair of Morgan Lewis.
Mr. Callaghan advises a diverse portfolio of clients, including institutional investors, management teams, and portfolio companies. His move comes at a time of growing demand for sophisticated tax advice in an evolving regulatory landscape.
"Andrew brings a collaborative, client-first approach that aligns well with our team," said Bart Bassett, leader of the firm’s tax practice. "His experience across a range of transaction types, particularly in the funds space, adds immediate value to our investment management team, especially on co-investment transactions.”
Nick Bolter, Managing Partner of Morgan Lewis’s London office, emphasized Callaghan’s international perspective and versatility across disciplines. "Andrew’s command in tax issues across disciplines and his international perspective make him a strategic fit for our London transactional practices. His cross-border experience enhances the sophisticated tax support our clients rely on for complex matters.”
Andrew Callaghan’s arrival continues a wave of strategic growth for Morgan Lewis’s tax capabilities worldwide.
In recent months, the firm welcomed tax partner Tamara Shepard in Boston and Marcus Schmidbauer in Paris, who joined alongside a team of 54 lawyers in a major January expansion.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm founded in 1873, with offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate, litigation, labor and employment, intellectual property, and regulatory law. Known for its strategic counsel and practical solutions, Morgan Lewis serves diverse clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments. The firm is committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional service to meet clients’ evolving needs.
Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is advising shareholders of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) that it has launched an investigation into potential legal claims stemming from allegations that the company misrepresented key aspects of its business operations in China.
Investors who currently hold Estée Lauder shares are encouraged to reach out to the firm for additional information.
The inquiry follows a ruling issued on March 31, 2025, by Judge Arun Subramanian of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In that decision, Judge Subramanian rejected Estée Lauder’s attempt to dismiss a securities class action complaint, allowing the case to move forward.
According to the lawsuit, between February 2022 and October 2023, Estée Lauder and its former top executives, then CEO Fabrizio Freda and then CFO Tracey Travis - misled investors about the health and sustainability of the company’s sales in China.
Behind the scenes, a significant portion of Estée Lauder's revenue was allegedly being driven by gray-market sales through so-called daigou resellers.
These unauthorized transactions, which are prohibited under Chinese law, were not fully disclosed to investors at the time.
Judge Subramanian found that the complaint plausibly alleged that Estée Lauder and its executives acted recklessly by issuing misleading statements.
When the company's true exposure to the daigou market came to light in November 2023, and investors learned that a Chinese government crackdown had severely impacted sales, Estée Lauder’s stock price fell sharply, dropping approximately 19%.
If you are a current Estée Lauder investor and would like to discuss your legal rights, you can learn more by visiting classactionlawyers.com/esteelauder.
About Gray-Market Sales
Gray-market sales involve genuine products being sold through unauthorized channels, often outside a company’s official distribution network. While the products themselves are authentic, companies typically have no control over how they are marketed, priced, or handled.
In markets like China, gray-market reselling, such as through "daigou" shoppers, can pose significant legal and financial risks when government crackdowns occur. Investors often view heavy reliance on gray-market sales as a hidden vulnerability if it is not properly disclosed.
Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is a San Francisco-based law firm specializing in class action and shareholder litigation. With over 35 years of experience, the firm focuses on securities fraud, consumer protection, privacy breaches, and antitrust violations, securing more than $850 million for clients nationwide.
Rosen Law Firm Files Class Action Against Everus Construction
SpaceX: Reflecting on Steve Riabov's Inspiration 13 Years Ago
On Monday, April 28, President Donald Trump signed a bold executive order aimed at cracking down on "sanctuary cities" - those jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The move delivers on a core promise from his 2024 campaign, stepping up efforts to tighten immigration enforcement nationwide.
Understanding Sanctuary Cities
Sanctuary cities are places where local governments have chosen not to fully assist federal immigration authorities. Often, these communities restrict police from asking about immigration status or refuse to hold people beyond their scheduled release at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Supporters say these policies build stronger relationships between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Opponents argue that they create loopholes that could endanger public safety.
What's in the Executive Order?
The new order directs the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to draw up a list of sanctuary cities within 30 days.
Those on the list could see critical federal funding put at risk. The administration also plans to make the list public, putting added pressure on local leaders.
The order was crafted carefully to sidestep recent court rulings around federal spending limits and due process. Still, it represents a major push to align local policies more closely with federal immigration priorities.
Growing Backlash and Legal Hurdles
Immigration advocates and legal experts wasted no time criticizing the order. Many see it as an attack on cities trying to protect vulnerable communities.
Lawsuits seem almost inevitable, with arguments likely to center around states' rights and the limits of executive power.
Previous attempts to punish sanctuary cities by cutting off federal funds have struggled in court. Legal scholars point out that while the federal government can place conditions on grants, it can't outright force cities to enforce immigration laws.
A Piece of a Larger Strategy
This executive order is one part of a much broader immigration crackdown. In recent months, the Trump administration has ramped up efforts to fast-track deportations, tighten asylum rules, and boost border security.
By framing sanctuary cities as havens for "criminal aliens," the White House is betting that public safety concerns will resonate with voters.
In addition to the executive order on sanctuary cities, the Trump administration recently expanded the use of expedited removal procedures nationwide.
This change allows immigration officers to more quickly deport undocumented individuals without a court hearing if they cannot prove they have been in the U.S. for at least two years.
New guidance from the Department of Homeland Security calls for broader cooperation between local police departments and federal immigration authorities.
These policies indicate a coordinated effort to reshape the national approach to immigration enforcement, raising new legal and constitutional questions that courts are likely to address in the months ahead.