FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2017
CONTACT: [email protected]

CITIES AND COUNTIES FILE AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS IN PHILADELPHIA V. SESSIONS

A coalition of cities and counties, led by the County of Santa Clara, are filing an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in the City of Philadelphia v. Sessions. Twenty-four cities, counties, and municipal agencies, along with four major associations of local governments and their officials, signed the brief, which supports Philadelphia's motion for a preliminary injunction that would prevent the Department of Justice from denying federal funding based on new, arbitrary grant requirements.

The amici understand that it is essential for cities to build and maintain the trust of all their residents, regardless of immigration status. To advance public safety, cities must be able to adopt policies that foster that trust and meet communities’ unique needs. The DOJ’s new conditions on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program violate federal law, usurp local control over public safety policy, erode the community trust on which local law enforcement depends, and create uncertainty for local governments.

For amicus brief filing, click here.

Created in 2014, Cities for Action is a coalition of mayors and county executives working for stronger and safer cities through immigrant inclusive policies and programs. Cities for Action members are committed to driving the national debate on immigration policies and integrating immigrants through best practices at the municipal level.