Philadelphia v. Sessions (U.S.C.A. 3rd Circuit, 2018)

This case involves a challenge to immigration enforcement-related conditions imposed by the Justice Department on the receipt of federal public safety grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (“JAG”) program. ADL's brief argues that, far from improving community safety, these conditions would only undermine Philadelphia’s protections of immigrants through its “Welcoming City” policies, compromising public safety for all. Immigrants, who are already reluctant to interact with law enforcement in the current political climate, will be even more afraid to come forward to report crimes, particularly hate crimes. And it will be difficult — if not impossible — for local police to rebuild the bonds of trust and cooperation with immigrant communities moving forward.