Portland Joins Seattle In Suit Against President Donald Trump

PORTLAND, OR – Even though Independence Day is still a few days away, the fireworks are starting early in the Pacific Northwest.

In response to the Federal Government's push to punish so-called sanctuary cities for not complying with federal immigration laws, the city of Portland has joined Seattle in a suit against President Donald Trump, challenging the various provisions included in Trump's Executive Order 13768.

Announced Friday, June 30, city officials declared that Portland will not allow the Trump Administration to strip federal funding from the city solely because it will not work with immigration enforcement agents.

"It's not merely that our cities' values are under attack, it's that these attacks are against the law," Mayor Ted Wheeler said in a statement. "Together, we are standing up for our values and the Constitution."

According to the statement issued by Wheeler's office, both Seattle and Portland seek a declaration that they are acting consistently with federal law, noting the Constitution does not allow for the President's executive order to deny the cities federal funds.

"We are pleased to have the city of Portland join in Seattle's suit to protect our shared values," Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes said in the statement. "I look forward to working with the Portland City Attorney, Tracy Reeve, as we work to advance the Rule of Law in challenging times."

"Seattle has been a great partner in this effort," Portland City Attorney Tracy Reeve said, "and we look forward to continuing this important work together."

From Section 9 of Executive Order 13768, concerning sanctuary cities:

Sec. 9. Sanctuary Jurisdictions. It is the policy of the executive branch to ensure, to the fullest extent of the law, that a State, or a political subdivision of a State, shall comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373.

(a) In furtherance of this policy, the Attorney General and the Secretary, in their discretion and to the extent consistent with law, shall ensure that jurisdictions that willfully refuse to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 (sanctuary jurisdictions) are not eligible to receive Federal grants, except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes by the Attorney General or the Secretary. The Secretary has the authority to designate, in his discretion and to the extent consistent with law, a jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction. The Attorney General shall take appropriate enforcement action against any entity that violates 8 U.S.C. 1373, or which has in effect a statute, policy, or practice that prevents or hinders the enforcement of Federal law.

(b) To better inform the public regarding the public safety threats associated with sanctuary jurisdictions, the Secretary shall utilize the Declined Detainer Outcome Report or its equivalent and, on a weekly basis, make public a comprehensive list of criminal actions committed by aliens and any jurisdiction that ignored or otherwise failed to honor any detainers with respect to such aliens.

(c) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is directed to obtain and provide relevant and responsive information on all Federal grant money that currently is received by any sanctuary jurisdiction.

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