John Block, a New Mexico State Representative, expressed gratitude to Attorney General Pam Bondi for her decision to pause federal funding to sanctuary cities. He said that New Mexico’s sanctuary cities "are about to be defunded of millions." Block made this announcement on the social media platform X on February 5.
"Thank you, AG Bondi," said Block. "Will leftists in NM ever learn? No sanctuary for criminals! Better rescind y'all's ordinances NOW."
According to the New York Post article referenced in Block's post, the suspension of federal funding will affect sanctuary states and cities such as New York, California, and Connecticut. Cities impacted include New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. The potential financial impact on New York City could reach up to $8 billion in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This move is not unprecedented; House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced similar legislation in 2023 aimed at cutting off funds to sanctuary jurisdictions.
Screenshot of State Representative John Block's Feb. 5 post on X
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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo on February 5 addressing sanctuary jurisdictions. The memo instructs the Associate Attorney General to identify grants awarded to these jurisdictions within 30 days and pause distributions for 60 days for nongovernmental agencies supporting illegal aliens. Additionally, it calls for enforcement actions against violations of federal immigration laws or interference with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The Center for Immigration Studies has identified various sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. In New Mexico alone, there are reportedly 22 counties and four cities classified as sanctuary jurisdictions, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe city and county, and Taos County.
Block is a lifelong resident of New Mexico with experience as a staffer at the New Mexico Legislature and roles at Chevron and Americans United For Life. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Rutgers University and an MBA from Eastern New Mexico University. According to his campaign website biography, he resides in Alamogordo with his boyfriend.
