June 19, 2018

Duckworth Statement on Trump Administration’s Renewed Attack on Sanctuary Cities

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to limit the nationwide injunction blocking the administration from withholding key law enforcement funding from sanctuary cities:

“Once again, the Trump administration shows its true colors by attacking cities that welcome immigrants who work hard every day to build a better life for themselves and their families. Using law enforcement to needlessly tear families apart is unacceptable—it compromises public safety by fostering mistrust and suspicion between local law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect. If Trump and his administration truly want to keep American cities’ streets safe and support community safety efforts, they should focus on ensuring Chicago and cities across the country receive the grant funding needed to fight crime and gun violence.”

Last summer, the Trump administration announced it would withhold federal grant funding from sanctuary cities including Chicago, jeopardizing millions of dollars in funding which Illinois relies on to help fight crime and keep residents safe. The program this announcement threatens provided the state of Illinois with $6.5 million, including $2 million eligible for Chicago alone, in the fiscal year of 2017 to help law enforcement.

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