Trump: Federal Payments to Sanctuary Cities Will Halt Feb. 1
Is it time to defund these protectors of criminals or would this be an unconstitutional move by the president?
Above: President Donald Trump at the Detroit Economic Club on Jan. 13. Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Cutting federal funding to jurisdictions that refuse to enforce immigration law isn't punitive — it's basic accountability. Sanctuary cities shield criminals and gang members while demanding billions in taxpayer money, creating safe havens for violent offenders and drug traffickers. States that side with lawlessness forfeit their right to federal subsidies.
Democratic narrative
Withholding congressionally approved federal funds from entire states because of disagreements over immigration policy is blatantly unconstitutional and illegal. This authoritarian move would devastate families and local economies while violating the separation of powers. Fighting this lawless overreach in courts and Congress is essential.
