SAN FRANCISCO - (INT) - California filed a lawsuit Monday against the Trump administration over its threats to withhold public safety funds from so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Monday.

Becerra contends local officials should be allowed to use their discretion to determine how best to keep their communities safe.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice placed unlawful and inappropriate immigration enforcement conditions on certain public safety grants for law enforcement. Becerra argues that action jeopardizes critical crime fighting resources and threatens the safety of California residents.

More than $28 million in federal funds that California uses for programs supporting law enforcement, recidivism prevention, crime victims and witnesses, and at-risk youth are at issue.

“The Trump Administration cannot manipulate federal grant fund requirements to pressure states, counties or municipalities to enforce federal immigration laws,” said Becerra.

“We’re in the public safety business,” Becerra added. “We’re not in the deportation business.”

Story Date: August 21, 2017