Sanctuary cities in Massachusetts and the US are facing the threat of losing federal funding from newly elected President Donald Trump and advisers.
Boston is among a list of eight sanctuary cities in the Commonwealth, and that could quickly grow to nine as Natick city leaders consider “sanctuary city policy.”
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has outlined the cuts she envisions, targeting more than 100 sanctuary cities across the country.
Greene is the incoming chairman of a newly created subcommittee, working with the Department of Government Efficiency, that will focus on cutting federal spending.
“If these Democratic governors and mayors want to use their federal dollars, and they want to use this funding to harbor illegal criminal aliens, then we’re coming after their money, and they’re not making a single cent of it. said Rep. Greene.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Boston is committed to following the laws related to federal funding.
“We are a nation of laws and we work very closely to ensure that the city is always moving where we can to follow the laws related to federal funding,” Mayor Wu said Monday.
Mayor Wu faced pushback last week from newly elected President Donald Trump’s new border czar Tom Homan over Boston’s sanctuary status.
She pointed to the Trust Act that has been in place in Boston for a decade.
The ordinance does not allow police to cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement in criminal investigations.
Wu has not wavered on her commitment to protect hardworking, law-abiding immigrants and has focused on securing federal funds before January 1.
“During my recent trip to DC, I had the chance to meet with some White House officials focused on federal grants to cities, and talked about the grants Boston has received and what they will look like over the next few weeks . she said.
Immigration advocates told Boston 25 News they are concerned there will be a risk to federal funds as a method of retaliation once Trump takes office.
During his first term, Trump tried to withhold funding from sanctuary cities by signing an executive order that cut funding to them, but this was blocked by federal courts.
This is a development story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News App for the latest news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Tweet. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
