Statement from A.G. Schneiderman on President Trump's Executive Order Regarding Sanctuary Cities

LongIsland.com

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued a statement in response to President Trump’s Executive Order regarding “sanctuary cities.”

Print Email

New York, NY - January 25, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s Executive Order regarding “sanctuary cities”:

“The President lacks the constitutional authority to cut off funding to states and cities simply because they have lawfully acted to protect immigrant families -- as described in the legal guidance my office issued last week. Local governments seeking to protect their immigrant communities from federal overreach have every right to do so.

“Building and maintaining trust between local law enforcement and the communities they bravely serve is vital to ensuring public safety. Any attempt to bully local governments into abandoning policies that have proven to keep our cities safe is not only unconstitutional, but threatens the safety of our citizens.

“I urge President Trump to revoke this Executive Order right away. If he does not, I will do everything in my power to fight it.”

Last week, Attorney General Schneiderman issued legal guidance for “sanctuary” jurisdictions, providing local governments and law enforcement agencies with legal tools to protect their immigrant communities.