PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A federal judge has sided with two Rhode Island cities in their suit against the Department of Justice over immigration enforcement conditions placed on public safety grants.
The Providence Journal reports that Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered a statewide injunction barring the Justice Department from placing the conditions on the grant funding. He ordered that the 2017 funds be released to Providence and Central Falls.
McConnell said Monday the U.S. attorney general acted outside of his authority by placing conditions on the funding.
The cities had argued the provisions would force police officers to act as federal immigration agents and erode relationships with immigrant communities.
Providence was to receive more than $200,000. Central Falls was awarded nearly $30,000.
The Justice Department could not be reached for comment.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
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