CHICAGO — The State of California on Monday joined several cities and counties in suing the federal government over federal public safety money that the White House has threatened to withhold amid a clash over sanctuary city policies.

The state filed a lawsuit challenging sanctuary city restrictions on public safety grants. At least seven cities and counties are also suing over funding threats, including Chicago.

Three California localities — San Francisco, Richmond, and Santa Clara County — had previously filed suit to block the federal order. Two of those lawsuits prompted a temporary injunction.

The Trump administration has said it will follow through on promises to crack down on sanctuary cities. But the result for some has been growing confusion, budgeting headaches, worries about increased crime, and more tension with immigrant residents.

‘‘They’re not getting clarity,’’ said Yucel Ors, a program director for public safety at the National League of Cities. ‘‘When you’re planning budgets or there’s an expectation for grants and applications, it becomes very difficult to properly judge what your resource is going to be, especially with law enforcement.’’

ASSOCIATED PRESS