The city announced it has filed a federal lawsuit Monday against President Donald Trump’s administration, accusing it of violating Constitutional rights of the sanctuary city by threatening to cut federal funding if it does not take part in mass deportation efforts.
“Bullying sanctuary cities is not just an assault on immigrants or cities—it’s an assault on all of us, on state and local rights, on the economy, and the Constitution. So, Somerville is standing up for what is both lawful and right,” Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said. “And we know politicized withholding of federal funding threatens the health and safety of all residents be it your neighbor who relies on Meals on Wheels for dinner or your kids who need road investments for a safer walk to school…This isn’t something you should have to fight for in court—but that is what we are stepping up to do.”
