According to the Press Democrat, the Santa Rosa City Council has unanimously voted to join a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s efforts to withhold funds from so-called “sanctuary cities.” Mayor Mark Stapp stated the move protects an estimated $47 million in federal funding vital for public transportation, housing, and safety services, which could be jeopardized.
Santa Rosa joins dozens of other cities, including San Francisco, in the lawsuit. A federal judge previously issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration from immediately withdrawing funding, citing “irreparable injury” to cities.
Though Santa Rosa adopted an “indivisible city” declaration in 2017 limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, it stopped short of the “sanctuary” label. This legal action aims to clarify federal directives and protect crucial funding for our community.