In a recent executive order , President Trump aims to pull federal funding from cities that don’t cooperate with his federal crackdown on immigration.
Cities rely on federal funds for things like affordable housing, public health, and crime prevention. Trump’s order puts that support at risk, just to score political points by blaming immigrants and targeting cities that refuse to go along with his agenda.
Trump essentially wants to strong-arm local law enforcement into helping with arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants, which is part of a broader effort to pressure local governments to work more closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What are Sanctuary Cities?
There isn’t a strict legal definition of a “sanctuary city.” In general, the term refers to cities that protect all residents, including undocumented immigrants, by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Sanctuary policies vary from place to place. Some offer additional protections from discrimination, like Illinois allowing undocumented immigrants to receive driver’s liscences. They might use local resources to support community members, like offering residents English-language classes. These policies reflect local priorities and make communities stronger.
Why are Sanctuary Cities Important?
Conservatives argue that sanctuary cities harbor criminals, but the facts (and the people living in those cities) tell a different story. There is no correlation between sanctuary policies and increased crime rates. In fact, studies have shown that sanctuary cities have lower rates of crime, poverty, and unemployment.
When local law enforcement collaborates with federal immigration enforcement, it erodes the public’s trust. People in sanctuary cities feel more comfortable accessing public resources, like healthcare and schools, and are more likely to report being the victim of a crime.
Unsurprisingly, cities are safer when they use their resources to protect and serve the community. Public safety works best when people aren’t afraid of being deported for speaking up.
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Are Sanctuary Cities Legal?
Yes.
The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects states and cities from being forced to carry out federal responsibilities. That includes enforcing immigration law.
Courts have repeatedly sided with sanctuary cities when Trump has tried to cut their funding. Local governments generally also have the right to decide how to allocate resources within their own communities.
What Happens Next?
At the end of the day, this isn’t about public safety. It’s about control. Sanctuary policies exist because local leaders, law enforcement, and community members want to protect their residents instead of punishing them based on immigration status. Trump’s latest executive order is just another attempt to bully cities into doing something they know is harmful and legally questionable.
Thankfully, cities are fighting back, and so far, the courts are on their side. Cities like Minneapolis, San Francisco, Portland, and Chicago have made it clear they’re not budging. Judges have already ruled that this order is unlawful.
It is important to remember that sanctuary cities are not against the law. They’re not about harboring criminals; they’re about making smart choices that reflect the needs and values of local communities. McEntee Law Group is proud to operate in a sanctuary city.
