A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump cannot cut federal funding to cities and counties that are considered "sanctuaries" for undocumented immigrants. U.S. District Judge William Orrick, appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued this ruling on Friday, extending a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from withholding federal funds or imposing immigration-related conditions on local governments.
This decision protects over 30 sanctuary jurisdictions, including major cities like Los Angeles, Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago. Judge Orrick stated that Trump’s actions to withhold funding as a means of coercion against these cities is unconstitutional.
In January, Trump signed an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, fulfilling a campaign promise. The order, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that these jurisdictions do not receive federal money. It also called for evaluating any legal actions against jurisdictions that interfere with federal law enforcement.
The Trump administration has been particularly aggressive in targeting cities like Los Angeles and New York City, filing lawsuits against them for their immigration policies. The Department of Justice claimed that Los Angeles’ policies, which limit the city’s resources from aiding immigration enforcement, violate federal law. Similar actions were taken against New York City for comparable reasons.
Trump has consistently criticized sanctuary cities, labeling them as dangerous and harmful to the rule of law. He expressed his frustration on social media, stating that these cities protect criminals rather than victims.
Following this ruling, the Trump administration plans to appeal the decision. The ongoing legal battle highlights the contentious relationship between federal and local governments regarding immigration policies.
