Trump ‘sanctuary cities’ executive order is unconstitutional, US appeals court rules

By Caitlin Yilek

Published August 1, 2018 7:34pm ET

Trump ‘sanctuary cities’ executive order is unconstitutional, US appeals court rules — FILE - In this July 31, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump pauses during remarks at a campaign rally at Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Fla. The Robesonian paper in Lumberton, N.C., announced itâs dropping an 8-page color comics section from Sunday editions. A newspaper editorial said it cut the comics because of rising newsprint costs spurred by Trump administration tariffs on imported paper. The newspaper says itâs âa decision that we really believe was made at the White House.â | (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

A U.S. appeals court said Wednesday that the Trump administration cannot deny funding to so-called “sanctuary cities” that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities is unconstitutional.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that President Trump went beyond his authority with an executive order he signed, saying the executive branch may not refuse to disperse the federal grants without the approval of Congress.