Mayor Kenney keeping Philadelphia a sanctuary city despite DOJ warning

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Mayor Jim Kenney is not budging from his position that Philadelphia will remain a sanctuary city, despite warnings from the Department of Justice.

Wednesday federal authorities notified officials in Philadelphia and other cities that they are not in compliance with current immigration law.

They were told they have until October 27 to show evidence they are complying.

Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against the DOJ, claiming the attorney general is overstepping its bounds.

President Trump has warned leaders of all sanctuary cities that they risk losing federal funds for fighting crime if they don't comply.

"This has all been about political showmanship, about larger issues about immigration policy that have nothing to do whatsoever with the grant money that we are as American citizens and tax payers entitled to. This is not their money, this is taxpayers' money," said Kenney.

Mayor Kenney said Philadelphia welcomes immigrants and supports its immigrant communities.

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