Judge Expands Ban on Trump Withholding Funds to Sanctuary Cities

A San Francisco federal judge has expanded an order preventing the Trump administration from cutting federal funds to sanctuary cities. These jurisdictions refuse to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities.

Orrick Extends Injunction

U.S. District Judge William Orrick, appointed by President Barack Obama, extended his earlier injunction on Friday. He ruled that the administration tried to coerce local officials into assisting agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Orrick called this action unconstitutional.

More Cities Join the Lawsuit

The judge added additional municipalities to the order, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, Denver, and Albuquerque. These cities had joined the lawsuit against Trump’s funding policy, CBS reported.

Background of the Lawsuit

The case began in February, led by San Francisco and supported by 16 cities and counties nationwide. Initial plaintiffs included Minneapolis, St. Paul, New Haven, Portland, Santa Fe, and Seattle. All of these cities restrict local law enforcement from helping federal authorities with immigration arrests.

The lawsuit challenged Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The order directed the Department of Homeland Security to withhold funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. The cities argued that billions of federal dollars were at risk.

Historical Context

This is not the first time Judge Orrick ruled against a similar Trump policy. In 2017, the president issued a comparable order, and Orrick blocked it. He also issued a preliminary injunction in April for the current case, noting, “Here we are again.”

Constitutional Concerns

Orrick stated that withholding funds violates the 10th Amendment, which separates national and local government powers. The Trump administration has appealed the decision. In the latest action, the judge also blocked the administration from attaching immigration-related conditions to two grant programs, according to Fox News.

Support for Sanctuary Cities

Supporters argue that forcing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement can discourage undocumented individuals from reporting crimes or serving as witnesses.

Orrick emphasized the stakes in April, saying, “The threat to withhold funding causes irreparable injury, including budget uncertainty, deprivation of constitutional rights, and erosion of trust between cities, counties, and the communities they serve.”

Next Steps

Neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security has commented on the expanded ruling.