California, Other States Sue Trump for Tying Aid to Immigration Laws

California and other Democratic-led states have sued the Trump administration, accusing it of stripping hundreds of millions of dollars in federal security and disaster relief funding because of their refusal to aid federal immigration enforcement, Kevin Rector reported for the Los Angeles Times

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the latest funding reduction — which the states were notified of over the weekend — defied that ruling. (Photo: U.S. Northern Command)

The lawsuit follows a federal judge’s ruling last week barring the administration from conditioning similar grant funding on states rescinding their “sanctuary” policies protecting immigrants.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the latest funding reduction — which the states were notified of over the weekend — defied that ruling. He called it an illegal attempt to force Democratic states to support a federal immigration campaign they are under no obligation to enforce.

“Tell me, how does defunding California’s efforts to protect against terrorism make our communities safer?”

Bonta said in a statement. “President Trump doesn’t like that we won’t be bullied into doing his bidding, ignoring our sovereign right to decide how our law enforcement resources are best used.”

The Department of Homeland Security has argued that its mission includes defending the nation’s security against threats, including illegal immigration, and that it therefore has the authority to withhold funding from states it views as undermining that mission.