Oregonians react after judge says Trump can't withhold $5M over sanctuary law

EUGENE, Ore. -- A Springfield immigration attorney is praising state leaders for fighting the Trump administration in court after millions were withheld in public safety grants over Oregon's sanctuary law. But others hope the federal government challenges the ruling.

Abigail Molina of Molina Law Group said she's not surprised U.S. District Judge Michael McShane of Eugene ruled in favor of the state. Court records show the federal government withheld nearly $5 million in grants starting in 2017 over Oregon's sanctuary law, which directs police not to help federal agents enforce immigration policies.

"I think what they did was absolutely the right thing to do," Molina said. "This was a bully move and we need people to stand up to bullies."

But Jim Ludwick, co-founder of the group Oregonians for Immigration Reform, said the judge made the wrong decision. He wants to see Oregon's Sanctuary law repealed and hopes the Trump administration fights the ruling.

"I don't think you should reward a state or a county or a city for thumbing their noses at our immigration laws," Ludwick said.

An attorney who worked on the case told KEZI 9 News the judge has ordered the federal government to pay the nearly $5 million. He said the funds are used to help pay for the drug court programs and victim services across the state. He said part of that money will go to specialty court programs in Lane County but doesn't know how much yet.