CHICAGO (WGN) – The City of Chicago is suing the Trump administration over threats to take money from sanctuary cities.

The city is looking to join a national coalition, challenging the administration’s efforts to punish local governments.

The lawsuit, filed in California, is trying to protect immigrants and the authority of local government.

It also challenges the president’s executive order and threatens to withhold funding from cities that outlaw local police from cooperating with deportation efforts.

The Trump administration has previously said sanctuary cities protecting immigrants illegally living in the United States are obstructing federal immigration enforcement.

“Federal funding should never be used as a tool to coerce local authorities into compliance with unlawful mandates,” said Corporation Counsel Mary B. Richardson-Lowry. “This legal action reaffirms our commitment to defending the rule of law and protecting the ability of local governments to set policies that serve their communities.” 

A release from the City of Chicago Department of Law read in part, “Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance reflects the City’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their immigration status, can access public services and engage with local governments without fear of civil immigration enforcement.”

“The Constitution prohibits the Trump Administration from requiring the City to expend its resources enforcing federal civil immigration law in order to receive federal funds” said Deputy Corporation Counsel Stephen J. Kane. “This lawsuit is part of the City’s larger effort to challenge the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional actions in court.”

Last month, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker testified in front of Republican-led House committee in Washington, D.C., defending Illinois’ sanctuary laws. Pritzker was one of three Democratic governors called in to testify.

In March, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also testified before the same committee.