Congressman Biggs' Statement on Federal Injunction for Sanctuary Cities Executive Order

Washington, D.C. – This week, United States District Court Judge William H. Orrick in San Francisco issued a temporary injunction on President Donald Trump's previous executive order that withholds federal funds from U.S. cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration laws. This decision follows two other court actions blocking a separate executive order on immigration vetting, including decisions by the frequently-overturned Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Congressman Biggs issued the following statement:

"This week's ruling by a federal judge in San Francisco proves yet again that President Trump's immigration enforcement agenda is under assault by liberal, activist judges, who put their politics above national security interests. Many cities are in open contempt of U.S. law by refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement laws. The safety and security of their citizens depend on those cities adhering to existing federal law, which is what President Trump's executive order sought to accomplish.

"It is no surprise that this week's ruling originated within the boundaries of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals – another example of ‘judicial shopping' meant to undermine President Trump's policies. Though I respect the balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, there is a clear attempt to wreak havoc on the President's responsibility and efforts to protect Americans by concentrating these cases in specific jurisdictions. I firmly believe that both of President Trump's executive orders on immigration vetting and sanctuary cities were rooted in a sincere desire to prioritize American security, based on historical precedent, and within his constitutional authority to execute.

"Moreover, these judicial antics continue to highlight the need for a new Twelfth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit Court is overburdened, far too often overturned, and does not reflect the values nor laws of states within its jurisdiction. I continue to fight for my legislation, H.R. 250, to split the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and I support President Trump's efforts to contest this recent decision in federal court."

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Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife Cindy in Gilbert.