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Hoboken Mayor Bhalla slams threats to sanctuary policy
Bhalla called the letter from Bondi “a gross violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct” and reaffirmed Hoboken’s stance
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 19, Aug 2025
- 15:07 EDT
- 16
Ravi Bhalla / Hoboken website
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has expressed strong disapproval of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi following her recent correspondence, which cautioned the city about possible funding reductions and the threat of criminal charges related to its sanctuary policies.
In his official response dated Aug. 19, Bhalla accused Bondi of violating professional ethics by directly contacting him despite ongoing litigation filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Hoboken.
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“Foremost, I am requesting that you immediately cease and desist all direct communication with me regarding the subject of the litigation… Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit you from directly communicating with represented parties about the subject of the representation,” Bhalla wrote.
In a post on social media, Bhalla called the letter from Bondi “a gross violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct” and reaffirmed Hoboken’s stance. “No amount of bullying from Washington will change who we are. Hoboken is, and always will be, a Fair & Welcoming City,” he wrote.
Last week, I received a letter from Attorney General Bondi threatening funding cuts and even criminal charges against me over Hoboken’s sanctuary city policies. First, this letter is a gross violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibits making direct… pic.twitter.com/Esd32iePtd
— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) August 19, 2025
He rejected calls to rescind Hoboken’s status as a “Fair & Welcoming City,” reiterating that the city will not compromise on its protections for immigrant families. “We will not capitulate to your demand that we rescind our policies, and in this case our morals and values,” his letter stated.
“We will continue to support our immigrant population… and ensure that all people living in and visiting Hoboken are accorded equal rights under the United States Constitution.”
The exchange comes against the backdrop of a federal crackdown under the Trump administration. In May, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Hoboken, Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, arguing that their sanctuary ordinances obstruct federal immigration enforcement and conflict with constitutional mandates such as the Supremacy Clause. The federal complaint seeks to bar these cities from enforcing their protective policies, with Hoboken’s “Fair & Welcoming City” order explicitly cited.
On Aug. 5, the Justice Department escalated pressure by publishing a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, including Hoboken, which it accused of impeding federal enforcement. Bondi warned that cities on the list could face litigation or loss of federal funds unless they demonstrated compliance.
Days later, she sent letters to dozens of mayors and county officials, demanding they affirm their compliance by Aug. 19 or face prosecution.
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