US city sues Trump administration over budget cut threat

The city of Chicago is suing the Trump administration, saying it was forced to choose between its constitutional rights and police funding.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a lawsuit against the federal government. Photo: Reuters.

The city of Chicago on August 7 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court to block the Trump administration from implementing a new policy that would cut funding to cities that do not cooperate with the federal government to control immigrants, Reuters reported.

The U.S. Department of Justice requires cities to grant immigration officials access to their local jails and to notify federal authorities at least 48 hours before releasing people who violate U.S. immigration laws. Cities that do not cooperate will lose funding for crime-fighting programs. Chicago is expected to receive $3.2 million this year to buy equipment.

Chicago says the new policy would force America's third-largest city to choose between its constitutional rights and its law enforcement budget.

"We are filing this lawsuit because the federal government's intimidation, as expressed in the terms of the new funding, is creating a climate of fear," said the Chicago mayor's legal counsel. The city is asking the federal court to rule before the September 5 deadline to apply for the funding.

“These provisions run counter to the city’s longstanding policy of promoting cooperation between police and immigrant communities,” the city of Chicago said in the lawsuit.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Chicago officials have shown “open hostility” to laws meant to curb crime and protect police. He said Chicago had more murders in 2016 than Los Angeles and New York combined.

"This administration will not fund cities that are willing to break the law and protect criminals from foreign countries, endangeringm for the community," Secretary Sessions said.

According to VNE