Federal Judge Further Blocks Trump Administration’s Funding Cuts to Sanctuary cities
A federal judge has extended a crucial injunction, preventing the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from 34 jurisdictions that have adopted “sanctuary city” policies. The cities affected include major metropolitan areas like Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles.
U.S. District Judge William Orrick, based in San Francisco and appointed by President Barack Obama, issued the expanded ruling Friday night, sharply criticizing the government’s arguments as fundamentally flawed. He previously issued a preliminary order in April, finding the administration’s actions likely unconstitutional, violating principles of separation of powers, the Spending Clause, and multiple amendments to the Constitution, as well as the administrative Procedure Act.
Judge Orrick’s initial injunction covered 16 plaintiffs, primarily in western states like San Francisco, Portland, and San Diego. This latest extension broadens the protection to encompass the additional cities. The judge stated the administration’s attempts to coerce compliance through funding threats are unconstitutional and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the newly included jurisdictions.
The dispute stems from executive orders signed by President Donald Trump shortly after taking office in January 2020. These orders aimed to deny federal funding to cities that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. the administration later identified over 500 cities, counties, and states deemed non-compliant, though that list was subsequently removed.Recently, Attorney General Palm Biondi sent warning letters to several jurisdictions, alleging obstruction of federal law enforcement efforts.
“Sanctuary cities” generally limit their cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Local law enforcement in these areas are restricted from sharing information about a person’s immigration status and are prohibited from making arrests or conducting interviews at jails or courthouses without a valid judge-signed warrant. These protections ofen extend to sensitive locations like schools and healthcare facilities.
Despite the legal challenges, federal funding for immigration enforcement has increased. A recent spending bill signed into law on July 4 boosted ICE’s budget from $3.5 billion to $4.85 billion, coinciding with a reported increase in deportation raids targeting cities with Democratic leadership.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on Judge Orrick’s latest order. Simultaneously occurring, legal battles continue, with 20 states filing a separate lawsuit last week challenging the Department of Justice’s attempt to tie crime victim grants to immigration enforcement cooperation.
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