Reason #5945 That Trump Was Elected

Feds to begin distributing grant money to non-sanctuary cities

The Justice Department said Wednesday it has begun distributing hundreds of millions of dollars in grant money that had been tied up in a major court battle over sanctuary cities.
Byrne Justice Assistance Grants are used by localities and police departments across the nation to pay for equipment, training, personnel or other pressing needs.

The Trump administration last year said it would condition the money on localities’ willingness to cooperate in holding illegal immigrants for pickup by federal deportation officers. Chicago sued, saying the conditions weren’t part of federal law.

A federal district judge had ruled for Chicago, but issued a nationwide injunction saying the conditions couldn’t be applied to any Byrne grants.

The Justice Department put nearly $200 million in 2017 money on hold as the case proceeded.

But on Tuesday an appeals court narrowed the ruling, saying that while the district court could decide the fate of Chicago’s practices, it couldn’t tie the hands of the entire country.

While I approve of denying grants to cities who defy the federal government, in this case in regard to immigration policy, which the Federal government clearly has jurisdiction over, the whole question begs the question of equal treatment of rural and city people. Are there per capita, as much grant money available for rural law enforcement? I doubt it.

Linked at Pirate's Cove in the weekly "Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup" and links.