CHICAGO – Last night, the City of Chicago sought leave of court to join a coalition of so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions in a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to punish local governments that decline to enforce the Administration’s civil immigration policy priorities.  The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, challenges Executive Order 14,159 as well as actions by the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security that seek to withhold funding from Chicago and other plaintiffs.

“Federal funding should never be used as a tool to coerce local authorities into compliance with unlawful mandates,” said 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 reflects the City’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their immigration status, can access public services and engage with local governments 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.”

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