Chelsea and Somerville Challenge Trump’s Funding Cuts
In a bold move, Chelsea and Somerville have filed a motion in federal court seeking to block the Trump administration’s attempts to withhold federal funding over their immigration policies. The cities argue that these actions violate the Constitution by essentially coercing local jurisdictions into enforcing federal immigration laws, risking essential funding for services like education and road safety.
City officials from Somerville, characterized as a “welcoming community” since 1987, and Chelsea, which adopted a “sanctuary city” label in 2007, maintain that their policies enhance public safety by building trust between residents and law enforcement. These measures restrict local authorities from inquiring about residents’ immigration status or participating in non-criminal federal immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration’s stance has sparked outrage, culminating in the withdrawal of a recently publicized list labeling communities as "sanctuary jurisdictions." Chelsea received approximately $14.5 million in federal funding for 2024, while Somerville received $19.4 million, which is crucial for various local services. Local leaders assert that their communities should not lose funding due to policies that serve to protect residents.
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