Sanctuary cities denounce Trump administration anti-immigrant actions

Sanctuary Cities Sue the Trump Administration

Reported by EFE

Here Are the Details

The cities of Chelsea and Somerville in Massachusetts have filed a federal lawsuit against the government of Donald Trum.

This, in an attempt to block the administration’s pressure for cooperation in mass deportation operations.

The cities are represented by Lawyers for Civil Rights.

They argue that the Trump administration’s threats, including the suspension of federal funds and potential legal sanctions, violate their constitutional rights and put public safety at risk.

Sanctuary Cities File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

Massachussetts: Sanctuary cities sue Donald Trump Government | Click here https://t.co/qcdfxe0tez

– El Nuevo Día (@elnuevodia) February 24, 2025

Chelsea has been a sanctuary city since 2007, while Somerville has held this status since 1987.

Both cities argue that allowing local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities could discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes for fear of deportation. They believe this would negatively impact the safety and security of their communities.

Since taking office, Donald Trump has issued executive orders aiming to withdraw federal funding from cities that refuse to collaborate with immigration enforcement.

Both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation have warned of possible sanctions and funding freezes for jurisdictions that maintain sanctuary policies protecting undocumented immigrants.

Reactions and Statements

Chelsea and Somerville sue the US government for pressures against sanctuary cities.

Read more here: https://t.co/zwqlfqdapk

– RTV Noticias Morelos (@RTVNOTICIASMOR) February 24, 2025

Oren Sellstrom, an attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights, stated that the president «cannot use federal funds as a weapon to force local governments to undermine their own security and values.»

Fidel Maltez, Chelsea’s city administrator, defended the city’s stance. He stated that residents should not be afraid to report crimes due to fear of immigration-related repercussions.

Katjana Ballantyne, the mayor of Somerville, criticized the Trump administration’s pressure.

She declared that «intimidating sanctuary cities is not only an attack on immigrants but also an attack on all citizens and their constitutional rights.»

Financial Impact on Sanctuary Cities

Chelsea and Somerville rely heavily on federal funding for programs related to education, community services, and public safety.

In the 2024 fiscal year, Chelsea received approximately $14.5 million in federal funds. Somerville received nearly $19.4 million in the same period.

The lawsuit marks another chapter in the ongoing dispute between sanctuary cities and the federal government. This tension has escalated in recent years.

The outcome of this legal battle could set a significant precedent for other jurisdictions that aim to protect immigrant communities while retaining federal support.