Pennsylvania files lawsuit over Trump administration’s decision to cut emergency preparedness funding for sanctuary jurisdictions.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has joined legal efforts against the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent cuts to emergency preparedness funding, which disproportionately affect jurisdictions like Philadelphia that have opted out of strict federal immigration enforcement policies. The lawsuit comes as part of a broader challenge involving 12 states, including New Jersey and Washington, D.C., aimed at countering cuts to the Homeland Security Grant Program and modifications to the Emergency Management Performance Grant.
The Shapiro administration has indicated that Philadelphia could face a loss of approximately million from funding essential for urban areas to mitigate against and respond to acts of terrorism. This financial setback is particularly concerning as it precedes the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations of America’s founding, which will take place in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro characterized the cuts as “irresponsible,” arguing that they jeopardize public safety during a significant national event.
The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island alleges that the funding reductions are politically motivated, directly targeting “sanctuary jurisdictions” that do not fully cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the Trump administration classifies Philadelphia as a sanctuary city, the lawsuit alleges that the DHS has historically administered federal grants equitably, a practice the plaintiffs claim is being violated under the current administration.
Recent statements from DHS have emphasized adherence to federal immigration laws and indicated that municipalities that hinder law enforcement operations would face a loss of federal assistance. Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, articulated the administration’s stance, insisting that cities with sanctuary policies would not receive federal funds intended for those that comply with immigration law enforcement.
Although Mayor Cherelle Parker of Philadelphia did not officially join the lawsuit, her administration underscored the city’s substantial investment of 0 million in public safety as part of last year’s budget. Leaders in surrounding counties have echoed the importance of preserving the threatened federal funding.
The states involved assert that the grant allocations have historically been provided in a fair manner, but the recent adjustments have resulted in a drop of several hundred million dollars from expected awards through programs like the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative. If the new restrictions imposed by the DHS are not mitigated, Pennsylvania stands to lose an additional .2 million allocated for salary reimbursements of emergency personnel.
The ongoing tensions underscore the complexities surrounding immigration policy enforcement and public safety funding, particularly as cities grapple with the confluence of state and federal mandates. Philadelphia’s sanctuary policies, which date back to a 2016 executive order by former Mayor Jim Kenney, have drawn significant attention from the current administration, reinforcing divisions over how best to approach immigration and community safety. As the legal battles unfold, the implications for local governance and public safety priorities remain a focal point of concern for residents and city leaders alike.
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