Sanctuary States Say Justice Department Is Blackmailing Them

Sanctuary States Say Justice Department Is Blackmailing Them
The Department of Justice seal. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)
Charlotte Cuthbertson
7/22/2018
Updated:
7/22/2018
WASHINGTON—Six so-called sanctuary states filed a joint lawsuit against the Justice Department on July 18, saying they are being coerced into compliance with immigration laws.
At issue are the federal funds awarded through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, which the Justice Department oversees.
The Justice Department sent a letter to all recipients of the funds in July 2017, saying they could be cut off if they do not comply with federal law, allow federal immigration access to detention facilities, and notify federal immigration authorities before releasing an illegal alien.
The states are New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Virginia, and Massachusetts.