A federal judge has ruled in favor of Philadelphia in the controversial case it launched against the Trump administration, saying that the city’s ‘sanctuary city’ stance and refusal to assist with the enforcement of immigration laws was based on fair, rational and reasonable policies.
The decision was issued on Wednesday afternoon by US District Judge, Michael Baylson, after almost 12 months of litigation and a four-day trial that took place in the spring. Baylson ruled that the Trump administration was violating the statutory and constitutional law by trying to withhold around $1.5 million in law enforcement grant money from the federal government. Philadelphia Mayor Kenny said Philadelphia had always been a welcoming city that needs its immigrant community and will stay that way.
Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for the Justice Department, called the ruling a victory for criminal immigrants who will now be able to commit crimes in Philadelphia without fear of accountability for their actions and deportation from the US, as they know that the leaders of the city will protect them. The Justice Department has also reiterated that Congress has given them the right to attach conditions to public safety grants.
Dozens of cities, states, and counties have given themselves the moniker of ‘sanctuary city’, although officials in Philadelphia reject the title and say they are enforcing city policies that guarantee equal treatment for all residents, regardless of their immigration status.