DOJ Appeals Judge’s Ruling Against Sanctuary City Order

The U.S. Justice Department is appealing a federal judge’s ruling against a DOJ initiative that withholds grants from jurisdictions that refuse to share the citizenship or immigration status of individuals who come into contact with local law enforcement.

The DOJ’s conditions on these sanctuary cities went beyond its authority under the federal Justice Assistance Grants and Community Oriented Policing Services spending laws, Judge William H. Orrick of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California held in October. The DOJ usurped Congress’ role in determining how to disburse federal funds, in violation of separation of powers principles and ...