Administration’s “Sanctuary” Announcement Nothing More Than a Diversion Tactic

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration today again threatened to deny federal funding for any city or jurisdiction where law enforcement has made clear it will not deputize its officers as immigration agents. The administration is threatening to withhold more than four billion dollars of federal funding that is crucial for cities’ public services, including programs for victims.

Kamal Essaheb, director of policy and advocacy with the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement:

“The Trump administration is licking its wounds after suffering a humiliating legislative defeat with the health care bill. In typical fashion, they are trying to manipulate the news cycle to distract and divert attention elsewhere.

“The legality of the community trust policies cities have instituted is clear; they are in compliance with federal law. In fact, several cities have already marched into court to defend their policies, and mayors across the country continue to speak out in support of these measures. The Trump administration’s attempt to circumvent the law is yet another example of this president’s commitment to overreach and abuse of power.

“Today’s threats put America’s immigrants in the administration’s crosshairs once again. The question now is how long will Congress allow and enable this president to scapegoat and criminalize our communities, undermining the very fabric of our democracy?”

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