On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson ruled that the DOJ cannot keep law enforcement grants from Philadelphia. The judge noted that Philadelphia does not violate 8 U.S. Code Section 1373, a requirement to receive the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding.
Judge says Philadelphia complies with the law
In a 128-page ruling, Judge Baylson said Philadelphia proved that it would suffer irreparable damage if the funding is withheld. The city’s first responders receive a portion of the funding to provide life-saving naloxone to victims of opioid overdose.
According to the judge, “Both the federal government and the city of Philadelphia have important interests at stake here and the court does not minimize either of their concerns.”
“In this case, given Philadelphia’s unique approach to meshing the legitimate needs of the federal government to remove criminal aliens with the City’s promotion of health and safety, there is no conflict of significance.”
Judge Baylson issued a “preliminary injunction in favor of the city” after applying the appropriate legal standards.
DOJ warns 29 cities against sanctuary policies
On the other hand, the DOJ on Wednesday sent letters to 29 jurisdictions that are likely in violation of 8 U.S. Code 1373.
