On Feb. 7, several sanctuary cities, led by San Francisco and including Portland, New Haven, Santa Clara and Kings County, sued the Trump Administration, alleging that they are unlawfully coercing local officials to bend to their will, and calling for the courts to “check this abuse of power.”

President Donald Trump’s administration criticized sanctuary cities, accusing Democratic leaders of protecting violent criminals and obstructing immigration enforcement. In a statement, Trump vowed to continue deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes, arguing that left-leaning politicians are endangering public safety.

With the Trump administration reversing several transgender rights policies, a small number of cities are responding to the new executive orders by declaring themselves “Sanctuary Cities” for those changing genders.