Appeals court largely upholds Philadelphia win over Trump administration in sanctuary city case
PHILADELPHIA _ A federal appeals court has largely upheld the city of Philadelphia's victory in its contentious "sanctuary city" case against the Trump administration.
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court ruling on Friday that the administration could not withhold federal grant money because of a dispute over immigration policy and enforcement, saying that the executive branch claimed authority not granted by the Constitution and hence "literally has no power to act."
In June, after nearly a year of litigation, U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson ruled that the Trump administration's attempt to withhold about $1.5 million in federal law enforcement grant money violated statutory and constitutional law.
The money comes under what is called an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The Trump administration wanted to hold back the funds unless the city agreed to actively assist federal authorities in identifying and turning over undocumented immigrants.
The city sued in the summer of 2017, saying the Police Department is not an arm of immigration enforcement, and that making it one would damage police-community relations.
On Friday the 3rd Circuit noted the "stark contrast in the priorities of the city and those of the executive branch regarding immigration policy," and said its role was confined strictly to the legal issues of the case.
_The Philadelphia Inquirer
