Jayapal Statement on President Trump’s Threats to American Cities and Local Law Enforcement
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive orders targeting sanctuary cities and local law enforcement officials.
“Donald Trump is once again threatening cities, states, and elected officials across the country who refuse to go along with his cruel, inhumane, and unconstitutional campaign to kidnap and disappear people. He’s once again lying to the American people about what will make them safer. The truth is that local governments have the right to allocate their own resources, and that the relationships of trust that local law enforcement creates with the community are the most important factor in ensuring public safety. Local governments also have the right to decide that they would rather invest in things that actually help people — housing, infrastructure, public safety, and more — than capitulate to Trump and tear their own communities apart.
“Multiple courts have ruled that states have the right to enact laws ensuring that local police are focused on preserving public safety — their actual jobs — not acting as federal immigration enforcement agents. Trump’s attempted overreach and power grab has zero legal basis.
“These executive orders are just another example in Trump’s long line of attacks on the separation of powers, the judiciary, law enforcement, immigrants, and anyone who disagrees with him or his unconstitutional actions.”