In a recent move, five major U.S. cities—Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver—have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the suspension of funding for the Securing the Cities counterterrorism program. This program is designed to enhance security measures in cities to safeguard citizens from potential large-scale threats such as nuclear or terrorist attacks. The freeze of federal funds is seen as a significant blow to public safety and national security.
The Lawsuit: Cities Fight for Funding
The five cities have collectively filed a criminal complaint, arguing that the Trump administration has overstepped its authority by freezing funding for the program. The freeze, initiated on February 21, has led to the halt of reimbursement requests by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The situation worsened when, on May 14, DHS notified the cities that they must pause all purchases related to radiological and nuclear detection equipment due to “funding constraints.” The cities assert that this freeze has undermined public safety, making them vulnerable to potential threats.
Key Points from the Lawsuit:
- National Security Concern: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston emphasized that national security should not be a partisan issue and that securing the country from terrorism should be a priority for all Americans.
- The Impact on Public Safety: The lawsuit claims that the funding freeze has already impaired public safety efforts, particularly for cities like Denver, which have relied on the program to fund critical security equipment and operations.
- The Securing the Cities Program: Established in 2007 as a response to the 9/11 attacks, this program provides cities with necessary resources, training, and equipment to detect and respond to nuclear or terrorist threats. A total of 13 cities, including major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Washington D.C., are involved in this program.
- Ongoing Challenges for Denver: Since the funding freeze began, Denver has halted all new expenditures related to the program, except for staff payments. This is the third lawsuit the city has filed against the Trump administration, highlighting the ongoing legal battles between the city and the federal government over issues such as sanctuary city policies and noncompliance with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directives.
Impact on Cities Involved in the Program
The Securing the Cities program has been vital for cities like Denver, which have used the funds to conduct security sweeps, monitor critical infrastructure, and equip emergency responders. The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for continued funding to protect citizens from terrorism and other large-scale threats.
Here is a table summarizing the key points from the ongoing legal battle:
| Key Information | Details |
| Cities Involved | Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver |
| Program Name | Securing the Cities Counterterrorism Program |
| Date of DHS Notification | May 14, 2025 |
| Date of Funding Freeze | February 21, 2025 |
| Legal Claim | President Trump overstepped authority by freezing program funds |
| Focus of the Program | Provide resources, training, and equipment for detecting nuclear and terrorist threats |
| Number of Cities Involved | 13 cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C. |
| Impact on Public Safety | Lawsuit claims freeze has impaired security measures and public safety |
The lawsuit filed by these cities is a critical step in ensuring that the Securing the Cities program remains funded and effective in protecting against potential terrorist attacks. The freeze of federal funds has sparked a heated debate on national security, with local leaders stressing the importance of safeguarding citizens from large-scale security threats.
As the legal battle continues, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of counterterrorism efforts in major American cities.
