Trump Can Block DOJ Grants to Sanctuary Cities, Court Rules (4)

The Trump administration can block cities and states from receiving Justice Department grants if they fail to help with federal immigration enforcement, a U.S. appeals court in Manhattan ruled, setting up a possible Supreme Court showdown.

Six states including New York and New Jersey sued in 2018 claiming the U.S. was trying to coerce states and cities into enforcing the administration’s immigration policies by illegally threatening to withhold the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, which are often used to buy equipment or pay for police overtime.

“We conclude that the plain language of the relevant statutes authorizes the attorney ...