US judge: Trump administration can’t tie funding to immigration
Californian judge has struck down law the Trump presidency has used to withhold funds from sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with immigration officials
The ruling by Judge William Orrick also directed the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to give California US$28 million that was withheld over the state’s immigration policies.
It was at least the third decision by a US district court judge in recent months declaring the immigration law unconstitutional.
However, none of the three rulings immediately invalidated enforcement of the law nationwide. The law at issue forbids states and cities from blocking officials from reporting people’s immigration status to US authorities.
Orrick’s ruling Friday US time in lawsuits by California and San Francisco may be the most significant yet because it applies to a major target of the administration’s opposition to sanctuary jurisdictions.
DOJ spokesman Devin O’Malley declined to comment.
The Trump administration says sanctuary cities and states allow dangerous criminals back on the street.
