SOMERVILLE, Mass. — The cities of Somerville and Chelsea asked a federal court Tuesday to halt the Trump administration’s efforts to revoke federal funding from sanctuary cities, citing violations of their constitutional rights.
The move comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a formal notice last week warning both cities to immediately revise their immigration policies or face consequences. The cities are represented by the Boston-based nonprofit Lawyers for Civil Rights, which filed a preliminary injunction motion in federal court.
According to the filing, the Trump administration is pressuring the cities to comply with federal immigration enforcement through threats of prosecution and defunding. “The President cannot use federal funding as a weapon to force local governments to undermine public safety,” said Oren Sellstrom, Litigation Director at Lawyers for Civil Rights.
Somerville and Chelsea have declared themselves sanctuary cities since 1987 and 2007, respectively. City leaders argue their policies encourage cooperation between law enforcement and immigrant communities by separating local policing from federal immigration enforcement.
The cities first filed suit in February, asserting that the administration’s tactics amount to unconstitutional coercion. Tuesday’s motion seeks to pause any action against the cities while the legal case moves forward.
Federal funds at stake for local services
The Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation have also warned of withholding grants and deprioritizing funding for sanctuary cities, according to public statements and policy documents. On May 29, DHS published a list of jurisdictions—including Somerville and Chelsea—that it claims are obstructing enforcement of immigration laws.
Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne criticized the administration’s efforts, saying, “Stripping cities of their rights erodes everyone’s rights,” and added that the city would continue defending its policies in court.
Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez also voiced support for the legal action, stating, “Chelsea will not be bullied or intimidated into enforcing federal immigration laws,” and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to serving all residents regardless of immigration status.
In fiscal year 2024, Somerville received approximately $19.4 million in federal funds for services including roadway safety, homelessness prevention, and youth health initiatives. Chelsea received $14.5 million, which supported education programs and downtown infrastructure improvements.
