Chicago set to sue over U.S.’ threat

CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Friday that the city will sue the federal government in defense of its status as a socalled sanctuary city and against threats to withhold U.S. grant funds.

Emanuel told Connected to Chicago on WLS-AM that the city will be in federal court Monday arguing that grants can’t be withheld from cities the administration says aren’t cooperating enough with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. The full interview will air Sunday.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced last month that local governments would lose the money if they do not give advance notice when illegal aliens are about to be released from custody. He also wants immigration agents to have access to jails.

Officials say Chicago this year expects to receive $3.2 million in Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. The money would mostly be used to buy police vehicles.

“We’re not going to actually auction off our values as a city, so Monday morning the city of Chicago is going to court; we’re going to take the Justice Department to court based on this,” Emanuel said. “We find it unlawful and unconstitutional to be, as a city, coerced on a policy.”

Sessions this week announced that letters were sent to four cities struggling with gun violence, telling them that they would not be eligible for a program that provides money to curb drug trafficking and gang crime unless they follow through on his suggestions.

The cities were Baltimore, Albuquerque, N.M., and Stockton and San Bernardino in California.