A coalition of local governments has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its threats to punish so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. These are cities and counties that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and prohibit the use of public funds for assisting with immigration enforcement.
The plaintiffs include San Francisco; the County of Santa Clara; King County, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and New Haven, Connecticut.
A recent executive order has called for the withholding of federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. A Department of Justice memo directs the department to investigate and prosecute officials in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
According to the lawsuit, the targeting of sanctuary jurisdictions violates the due process clause, separation of powers, and the 10th Amendment.
"This is the federal government illegally asserting a right it does not have, telling cities how to use their resources, and commandeering local law enforcement," said David Chiu, the city attorney for San Francisco.
Chiu reiterated his belief that sanctuary policies enhance public safety by conserving resources and reducing fear in immigrant communities, which could otherwise lead to a failure to report crime.