Federal Judge Says Trump Can’t Deny Funding to Sanctuary Cities

Federal Judge Says Trump Can't Deny Funding to Sanctuary Cities

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump from withholding federal funding from sanctuary cities as part of a legal battle between the administration and several municipalities.

Key Takeaways

  • A federal judge in California has prohibited the Trump administration from denying federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, deeming parts of the orders unconstitutional.
  • Judge William Orrick issued the injunction at the request of 16 cities and counties, who argued it compromised constitutional principles.
  • The injunction prevents the administration from taking any action to withhold or condition federal funds.
  • The ruling follows a similar case from 2017 where a presidential order exceeded authority according to the courts.
  • The municipalities emphasized local autonomy and community trust as being vital in their challenge against the order.
  • The Justice Department argued that the municipalities lacked the legal standing to sue because no funding had been withheld yet.

Judicial Injunction on Trump’s Order

Judge William Orrick of the US District Court in California issued an injunction preventing President Donald Trump’s administration from withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities. The action stemmed from a lawsuit filed by 16 municipalities, including San Francisco, which argued that the executive order violated constitutional principles and coerced localities to enforce federal immigration laws.

The judge termed parts of the executive orders unconstitutional and asserted that the municipalities would face irreparable harm from financial uncertainties and a loss of trust within their communities. He mandated that all relevant federal agencies be informed of his ruling, ensuring no funds are withheld based on sanctuary policies.

DOJ’s Claim and Dismissal

The Justice Department claimed the legal challenge was premature because no funds had been denied yet, but Orrick dismissed this, citing historical concerns of enforcement under similar previous orders.

This injunction follows a similar 2017 legal battle where an appellate court supported Orrick’s ruling about the president overstepping his authority. In both cases, cities filed lawsuits arguing that the orders violated the constitution by trampling on the separation of powers and the 10th and 5th Amendments. Orrick called back to the previous ruling he made during the previous Trump administration, saying, “Here we are again.”

While the administration aimed to ensure federal money wasn’t supporting sanctuary policies, cities like San Francisco contended that the order undermined local governance. Among their arguments was that community safety improved by limiting collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, allowing resources to focus on local crime. Their stance differs significantly to that of sanctuary policy critics, such as New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, who view such policies as a way to get around federal immigration laws.

Sources

  1. Judge bars Trump from denying federal funds to ‘sanctuary’ cities that limit immigration cooperation
  2. Judge finds Trump’s ‘sanctuary city’ order likely unconstitutional
  3. Federal judge blocks Trump from pulling federal funding from sanctuary cities
  4. Judge blocks order aiming to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities like Rochester

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