President Trump has ordered that federal agencies cut off funding to jurisdictions which refuse to actively assist with immigration enforcement.

During his previous administration, Trump also moved to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. Multiple appeals court panels, including those composed entirely of Republican appointees, ruled the executive branch lacked the power to override funding decisions made by Congress.

Portland has joined at least four other cities and counties in a lawsuit against the Trump administration's threat to pull federal funding from jurisdictions with sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with immigration officials.