California To Defend 'Sanctuary State' Laws Against Federal Government

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than a hundred people are protesting Trump administration immigration policies outside a U.S. courthouse in Sacramento ahead of a hearing on an immigration lawsuit the administration filed against California.

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U.S. Judge John Mendez in Sacramento will hear arguments Wednesday from attorneys for California and the U.S. Justice Department about a federal request to block three California laws that extend protections to people in the country illegally.

Protesters held signs with slogans that read "Keep Families Together" and "Family Separation is UnAmerican" and led the crowd in chants against the administration's travel ban and plans for a border wall.

The administration's lawsuit against California says the three laws obstruct immigration enforcement efforts and allow dangerous criminals on the street.

California officials say their sanctuary policies promote trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.