Trump appeals sanctuary cities injunction

WASHINGTON—The Trump administration on Monday appealed a federal injunction limiting its executive order to punish so-called sanctuary cities. U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a preliminary injunction in April, limiting federal officials from carrying out a portion of a Jan. 25 executive order from President Donald Trump. The president sought to crack down on local governments that decline to locate and detain undocumented immigrants—creating what is commonly referred to as sanctuary cities. Trump’s order intended to withhold certain federal funds from localities that did not fall in line with his immigration policies. Orrick blocked the order from taking effect in April, ruling it likely unconstitutional. On Monday, Trump’s lawyers filed appeal notices in an attempt to overturn the injunction. Before that, the Justice Department remained silent on the injunction, despite Trump’s post-ruling Twitter reaction: “See you in the Supreme Court!” Leaders in sanctuary cities contend they are protecting undocumented immigrants from unnecessary fear. The Trump administration argues sanctuary cities violate federal law and put American citizens in harm’s way.