Feds have begun doling out nearly $200 million in grants to non-sanctuary cities

The Justice Department began doling out hundreds of millions of dollars in grants on Wednesday to non-sanctuary cities and states whose law enforcement cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities, according to The Crime Report.

“After the stay was granted, the Justice Department promptly moved to begin the distribution of nearly $200 million in Byrne JAG funds to jurisdictions that share the department’s commitment to keeping criminal aliens off our streets and our law-abiding citizens safe,” Justice spokesman Devin O’Malley said, The Washington Times reported. “Reviews of some applications remain ongoing.”

On Tuesday, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals partially overturned a nationwide injunction on 2017 Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.

"The stay of the nationwide injunction granted last night by the Seventh Circuit is another major victory for the rule of law,” Justice Department spokesman Devin O’Malley said, according to The Washington Examiner.

Municipalities and police departments may use JAG grants for equipment, training personnel, and other needs.

Why was there an injunction on the grant money?

Last summer, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a crackdown on sanctuary cities and those entities that didn't cooperate with ICE agents could lose JAG grants.

Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking a nationwide injunction claiming that the conditions on the grants did not follow federal laws.

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber granted the injunction in September.

In April, a three-judge panel agreed with Leinenweber's decision.

But Tuesday's decision by the 7th Circuit Court limited the injunction to Chicago. The full panel of the 7th Circuit, sitting en banc, will hear oral arguments in the case on Sept. 6.

Which entities received granted money?

You can view a list of the recipients here and here.