Local officials are praising a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block President Donald Trump’s order to withhold funding from “sanctuary cities.” The temporary restraining order was issued in San Francisco, but applies nationwide.Seattle Mayor Ed Murray issued a news release calling the ruling yet another rebuke of Trump's "misguided agenda." Murray says it will prevent President Trump from punishing “sanctuary cities” like Seattle.
King County officials, who voted to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to support immigrants and refugees, are also pleased.
“Our values are that we are a welcoming and affirming place for everyone in our community and these kind of scare tactics the President has been using for his entire first 100 days need to be rejected every time he tries them," Joe McDermott, chair of the King County Council said.
Trump's executive order would have halted federal funding to "sanctuary cities." The order from U.S. District Judge William Orrick in San Francisco put that on hold until the lawsuit brought by two local governments in California are heard in court.
Several similar lawsuits, including one from the the city of Seattle, are still pending in federal court.