Chicago City Wire

Last night, the City of Chicago sought court approval to join a group of "sanctuary" jurisdictions in a federal lawsuit. The suit challenges the Trump Administration's attempts to penalize local governments that do not enforce its civil immigration policies. Filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, the complaint disputes Executive Order 14,159 and actions by the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security aimed at withholding funding from Chicago and other plaintiffs.

“Federal funding should never be used as a tool to coerce local authorities into compliance with unlawful mandates,” stated Corporation Counsel Mary B. Richardson-Lowry. “This legal action reaffirms our commitment to defending the rule of law and protecting the ability of local governments to set policies that serve their communities.”

Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance emphasizes ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, can access public services without fear of civil immigration enforcement.

“The Constitution prohibits the Trump Administration from requiring the City to expend its resources enforcing federal civil immigration law in order to receive federal funds,” said Deputy Corporation Counsel Stephen J. Kane. “This lawsuit is part of the City’s larger effort to challenge the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional actions in court.”