The Trump administration sharply criticized a judge’s decision to block a significant portion of an executive order that the president signed in January which would allow the federal government to withhold funds from cities that shield illegal immigrants.
Press secretary Sean Spicer said the decision by an “unelected judge” who “unilaterally rewrote immigration policy” raises “serious questions about circuit shopping.”
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“These cities are engaged in the dangerous and unlawful nullification of Federal law in an attempt to erase our borders,” the statement read. “Once again, a single district judge — this time in San Francisco — has ignored federal immigration law to set a new immigration policy for the entire country.”
“This decision occurred in the same sanctuary city that released the 5-time deported illegal immigrant who gunned down innocent Kate Steinle in her father’s arms. San Francisco, and cities like it, are putting the well-being of criminal aliens before the safety of our citizens, and those city officials who authored these policies have the blood of dead Americans on their hands. This San Francisco judge’s erroneous ruling is a gift to the criminal gang and cartel element in our country, empowering the worst kind of human trafficking and sex trafficking, and putting thousands of innocent lives at risk.”
“This case is yet one more example of egregious overreach by a single, unelected district judge. Today’s ruling undermines faith in our legal system and raises serious questions about circuit shopping. But we are confident we will ultimately prevail in the Supreme Court, just as we will prevail in our lawful efforts to impose immigration restrictions necessary to keep terrorists out of the United States.”
U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a nationwide preliminary injunction Tuesday that prevents the government from enforcing the part of order where it says the policy of the executive branch is to “ensure that jurisdictions that fail to comply with applicable federal law do not receive Federal funds, except as mandated by law.” (RELATED: Judge Blocks Trump’s Order On Sanctuary Cities)
The White House said it will “pursue all legal remedies.”