The Trump administration is withholding federal grant money cities use to prosecute rapists, purchase bulletproof vests for police officers, and fund emergency ambulance services unless local governments sign cooperation agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

Cities Face Critical Funding Loss

Fresno, California stands to lose federal grants used to process rape kits after the Department of Justice designated it a sanctuary jurisdiction. City Attorney Andrew Janz expressed outrage at the move, stating that justice for victims should not be politicized or connected to immigration enforcement. The California city has already filed lawsuits over other federal grants withheld due to the administration’s campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Santa Cruz, California faces the loss of FEMA grants, policing funds, and a water supply project critical for drought resiliency. The city’s Finance Director Elizabeth Cabell warned of potential layoffs and cuts to basic services including water provision and disaster preparedness for wildfires and earthquakes. Beaverton, Oregon could lose ambulance funding for paramedics, while Corvallis police officers risk losing approximately twenty-seven thousand dollars in body armor funding over two years.

Federal Judge Delivers Major Blow

A California federal judge ruled on July 9 that the Trump administration overstepped its authority by withholding public safety grants from Oregon and California cities. Judge William Orrick wrote in a sixty-eight page ruling that the grant conditions have nothing to do with Congressional intent. He stated the public has a legitimate interest in receiving funding for critical infrastructure and public safety initiatives paid for by federal tax dollars. The same judge blocked similar funding threats during Trump’s first term in 2017 and again last year involving Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and thirty other cities.

Local Officials Sound Alarm

In October, the Department of Justice named twelve states, eighteen cities, and three counties that it claims materially impede enforcement of federal immigration statutes. These locations generally refuse to share information with ICE, hold individuals for ICE agents, or allow agents into their jails. Los Angeles County said it is forgoing many federal grant opportunities rather than comply. Miami faces resident backlash after city leaders signed cooperation agreements. Cities from Seattle to San Diego have launched their own court battles. Corvallis Police Chief Jason Harvey warned that without federal funding, his officers face unnecessary danger and reduced capacity to protect city residents.