Democrats to Trump: Why are you holding N.J. law enforcement grants hostage?

WASHINGTON -- Three New Jersey House Democrats blasted President Donald Trump's administration for continuing to withhold almost $6 million in law enforcement grants.

The money was to be awarded to New Jersey and its municipalities through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants program, but the lawmakers, joined by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, said the funds were being held hostage to the state's opposition to Trump's immigration policy.

Several municipalities have declared themselves "sanctuary cities" and said they would not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, and the Trump administration has threatened to withhold some grants in return.

"No one should ever play politics with our law enforcement, but this is exactly what Donald Trump and [Attorney General] Jeff Sessions are doing," said Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist. "Local law enforcement strategies should not be undermined by Trump forcing states and localities to enforce his cruel, draconian immigration policies."

Read more: https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/07/nj_officials_to_trump_where_are_our_law_enforcemen.html