Richmond plans lawsuit against Trump's sanctuary city executive order

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- The city of Richmond is going to federal court, to stop President Donald Trump from executing a January order that threatens to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities.

"The way the executive order is written, they can just, at their own discretion, say we're cutting off your funds, no hearing," said Joe Cotchett, and attorney working with Richmond officials.

"There's a lot we don't know. We just want to stop it," added Cotchett.

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Richmond mayor Tom Butt says much of the city's federal money goes to its housing authority, about $27 million per year.

Richmond Police Chief Allwyn Brown says the city's sanctuary policy helps his department.

"Providing safety in a city really does require actively engaged residents who can interact with police, without fear of other issues," said Brown.

In Martinez, demonstrators marched into the Contra Costa County building to the office of Sheriff David Livingston, who opposes senate bill 54, which would make California a sanctuary state.

"Sheriff Livingston has basically gone out of his way to work for the Trump administration," said Angela Chan, with the Asian Law Caucus.

Livingston was unavailable, but a spokesman explained the sheriff's opposition to SB54.

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"Many state sheriffs are opposed to it. They believe it goes too far and it could compromise public safety. Specifically, it would prevent law enforcement from even talking to ICE," said Jimmy Lee, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office.

SB54 will be heard on the senate floor in Sacramento on Monday.

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