FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Cox (503) 823-6593
Portland Joins Seattle Suit Against Trump Sanctuary Cities Executive Order
Order threatens to strip federal funding from cities that refuse to assist the federal government in immigration enforcement
PORTLAND, OR – The city of Portland has joined Seattle in challenging President Trump’s “sanctuary cities” Executive Order (No. 13768, 82 Fed. Reg. 8799).
“It’s not merely that our cities’ values are under attack, it’s that these attacks are against the law,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “Together, we are standing up for our values and the Constitution.”
In the amended complaint filed this week in the Western District of Washington, the cities seek a declaration that they are acting consistently with federal law and that the U.S. Constitution precludes application of the executive order to deny them federal funds to which they are otherwise entitled. The order threatens to strip federal funding from cities that refuse to assist the federal government in immigration enforcement.
“We are pleased to have the City of Portland join in Seattle’s suit to protect our shared values,” City Attorney Pete Holmes said. “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, and we look forward to continuing this important work together," said Tracy Reeve, Portland City Attorney.
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