Several jurisdictions, including San Francisco, Santa Clara, King County, Portland, and New Haven, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging unlawful targeting of sanctuary cities. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, challenges President Trump's executive order withholding federal funds from jurisdictions that do not comply with his immigration agenda.
The plaintiffs argue that the administration's actions violate the 10th Amendment, separation of powers, spending clause, due process clause, and the Administrative Procedures Act. They seek to prevent the enforcement of these actions and declare them unlawful.
San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu stated that the federal government is overstepping its authority by coercing local officials to comply with its immigration policies under the threat of defunding or prosecution. This legal action follows a previous lawsuit in 2017 over a similar executive order, which was blocked by a federal judge.
The lawsuit also highlights the recent enforcement actions by the Trump administration against sanctuary jurisdictions, such as Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois. Chiu anticipates that more jurisdictions will join the legal challenge against the administration's immigration policies.
This lawsuit represents a significant legal battle between Democratic-led cities and the Trump administration over the use of local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. The plaintiffs aim to protect their autonomy and resist what they perceive as federal overreach in dictating local law enforcement policies.
