Washington, DC – Yesterday, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to withhold funding from “sanctuary cities” that do not comply with U.S. Immigration Officials. The Women’s Refugee Commission stands in support of this ruling and the sanctuary city movement in its attempt to protect vulnerable populations and allow them safe spaces to report crimes without the fear of deportation. We believe that when immigrants and refugees are denied protections from the police, it puts us all in danger.

According to Michelle Brané, Director of the Migrant Rights and Justice program at the Women’s Refugee Commission:

“When state and local police function as an extension of federal immigration enforcement, undocumented individuals pushed into the shadows, and they become fearful of reporting crimes. That fear undermines public safety as crimes go unreported, leaving those responsible to roam freely and threaten entire communities. Yesterday’s decision is a victory for refugees and immigrants who have suffered abuse and other egregious violations, as they now have the freedom to report crimes and cooperate with law enforcement without the threat of immigration officials detaining them due to their legal status.”

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For more information contact:Tessa Wiseman, tessa@newpartners.comEmily Butera, EmilyB@wrcommission.org

Also see WRC’s 10 Things to Know About How Trump’s Executive Order Will Harm Women and Children Seeking Protection here.