This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Illegal immigrants who can no longer be legally held in custody in the United States will now be released into sanctuary cities and states, President Donald Trump announced via tweet.

“Those Illegal Immigrants who can no longer be legally held (Congress must fix the laws and loopholes) will be, subject to Homeland Security, given to Sanctuary Cities and States,” he tweeted just after noon on Monday.

Those Illegal Immigrants who can no longer be legally held (Congress must fix the laws and loopholes) will be, subject to Homeland Security, given to Sanctuary Cities and States! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

There is no indication just yet of how this process will play out.

- ADVERTISEMENT -



Trump last week had said he was considering this move.

“Due to the fact that Democrats are unwilling to change our very dangerous immigration laws, we are indeed, as reported, giving strong considerations to placing Illegal Immigrants in Sanctuary Cities only The Radical Left always seems to have an Open Borders, Open Arms policy – so this should make them very happy!” Trump had said Friday afternoon.

Trump has long criticized sanctuary cities for protecting those who violate immigration laws and even commit violent crimes. He has even suggested cutting federal funding to sanctuary cities.

Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump Administration can’t return asylum seekers to Mexico for them to wait for court appearances.

Today, the President also went so far as to say he agreed with singer and entertainer Cher, who tweeted over the weekend about understanding the U.S. should help “struggling immigrants,” but that the country also needs to take care of its own homeless citizens – including veterans.

“I finally agree with Cher,” he wrote.

Cher had tweeted Sunday, “I Understand Helping struggling Immigrants,but MY CITY (Los Angeles) ISNT TAKING CARE OF ITS OWN.WHAT ABOUT THE 50,000+🇺🇸Citizens WHO LIVE ON THE STREETS.PPL WHO LIVE BELOW POVERTY LINE,& HUNGRY? If My State Can’t Take Care of Its Own(Many Are VETS)How Can it Take Care Of More.”