Mass. Cities Sue to Block Sanctuary Funding Cuts

The Massachusetts cities of Somerville and Chelsea have filed a federal lawsuit to prevent the Trump administration from cutting federal funding over their sanctuary city policies. The cities assert that their policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, are lawful, enhance public safety, and are protected under both the U.S. and Massachusetts Constitutions. Local officials argue that federal funding supports essential services such as education and homelessness prevention, and that Congress has not conditioned these funds on immigration enforcement. The Trump administration claims sanctuary cities violate federal law and compromise public safety by not aiding in immigration enforcement efforts. Legal representatives for the cities allege that the administration's actions are unconstitutional and erode trust between communities and law enforcement. The lawsuit seeks a court injunction to maintain federal funding while the legal challenge is resolved.