The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has identified 35 states, cities, and counties as sanctuary jurisdictions that impede federal immigration enforcement. This action is part of a broader crackdown on immigration policies considered to obstruct law enforcement. The DOJ has also issued new guidance targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in higher education, labeling "overcoming obstacles" essays and diversity statements as unlawful proxies for race- and sex-based admissions and hiring. Columbia and Brown universities have been specifically instructed to maintain merit-based admissions without unlawful racial preferences. Chad Mizelle, acting associate attorney general, emphasized that the DOJ aims to end discrimination based on race in university admissions and will investigate and eliminate such practices. These measures align with the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to redefine sanctuary jurisdictions and address DEI policies at federal agencies and educational institutions.