TX Gov blocks funding over sanctuary policy

Oh it's on like Donkey Kong.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has cut funding to Travis County, the home of the city of Austin, following through on a threat to block state grants over a new sheriff’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.



Abbott’s office said Monday it would cancel $1.8 million in grants to law enforcement programs in the county, the state capital and the University of Texas’s flagship campus. The governor said he is asking state agencies to identify other grants to the county that he could also block.



The cuts come after Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez, newly elected in November, begins implementing a new policy blocking deputies from asking anyone they apprehend about their immigration status. Hernandez has also said her office will not hold undocumented immigrants in county jails after they complete sentences for minor crimes, even if asked by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.


Hernandez defended the sanctuary policy as necessary to building healthy relations with immigrant communities in and around Austin.



“I will not allow fear and misinformation to be my guiding principles as a leader sworn to protect this community,” Hernandez said in a statement. “I am following all state and federal laws, and upholding constitutional rights to due process for all in our criminal justice system. Our community is safer when people can report crimes without fear of deportation.”
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