Part 2/10:
A fundamental question arises: Are sanctuary cities operating within the bounds of the law? The answer, according to legal interpretations, is generally yes. Sanctuary policies are grounded in the broad constitutional authority granted to states and municipalities, chiefly under the 10th Amendment. This amendment limits federal power, prohibiting the federal government from commandeering state resources or mandating local law enforcement activities.
Courts have solidified this understanding, asserting that federal authorities cannot compel local agencies to enforce immigration laws or allocate their resources accordingly. However, there's a crucial distinction: It's not that sanctuary cities refuse to cooperate per se; rather, they actively obstruct federal law.