BOSTON — A federal judge in California dealt a blow to the Trump administration Tuesday, striking down an executive order that would have allowed federal funding to be withheld from sanctuary cities.
Hundreds of cities across the country have sanctuary city designation, including Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, Amherst and Northampton.
The ACLU of Massachusetts said what happened is very similar to what happened with the travel ban—the Trump administration overreached and got slapped down by the courts. But in this case, the Trump administration may find there is no easy route to get its way.
“On at least five different constitutional grounds the federal district court in California ruled that this executive order coming out of the trump administration is unconstitutional,” Carol Rose, Executive Director of the ACLU in Massachusetts, said.
Rose said the reasons cited by Judge William H. Orrick in his decision will also make it more difficult for the Trump administration to find a successful appeal at a higher court. The ruling cites states’ rights, the spending clause, violations of due process, and even separation of powers.
“What we have now learned through this decision is they should not be afraid of the loss of federal funds because this decision is a nationwide injunction preventing the federal government from punishing cities and towns that choose to become sanctuary or welcoming cities and towns,” Rose said.
The news is welcome in Boston and Somerville. Mayor Marty Walsh told Boston 25 News “In Boston, there is no dollar amount that would ever change our essential character of inclusiveness of all people. We will continue to stand up for the values that make us who we are as a city.”
In Somerville, spokesperson Denise Taylor said “we are encouraged by the district court’s ruling and will be paying close attention to how this continues to proceed through the courts.”
If the Trump administration chooses to appeal the decision, it will go to the 9th Circuit Court - the same court that upheld a nationwide block on trumps first travel ban.