Shiver Me Timbers! Trump's Immigration Policy Sinks in Federal Court!

Why is the Rum Always Gone?

Savvy? It appears the winds of fortune have shifted me hearties! News has reached Tortuga – I mean me wherever I am – that a federal judge has tossed a wrench into the gears of President Trump's grand scheme. Seems he tried to shackle a king's ransom in transportation funds to those twenty Democratic states demanding they play nice with his immigration enforcement. But alas the judge a certain John McConnell (appointed by a president from another time mind you) wasn't having any of it. Injunction granted! It's like finding a chest full of doubloons when you thought you were only getting a handful of buttons!

Not All Treasure is Silver and Gold Mate

These states led by their Attorney Generals cried foul! They argued that Trump and his lot were essentially holding federal funds hostage trying to strong arm them into following his 'hardline immigration agenda.' Now I've never been one to shy away from a bit of... persuasion. But even I know there's a line you don't cross. Holding roads and bridges for ransom? That's just bad form even for a pirate! As the judge said the states were likely to win their legal arguments against this policy. Seems even the law has a soft spot for a good ol' fashioned swindle... err I mean a fair deal.

Take What You Can Give Nothing Back!

The heart of the matter as I understand it is that Secretary Sean Duffy (of the Department of Transportation no less) was trying to slap immigration enforcement conditions on money that Congress had already set aside for roads highways and all that mundane landlubber stuff. The states argued quite rightly in my opinion that Duffy was overstepping his bounds. 'Take what you can' they said 'Give nothing back!' Well the states were not giving anything back or rather they were not prepared to give their co operation back at the cost of those funds.

Sanctuary... Sounds Like a Good Place for a Drink!

Now this whole kerfuffle stems from Trump's vendetta against 'sanctuary jurisdictions.' These are places that for various reasons don't exactly roll out the red carpet for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Justice Department has even gone to war with some of them like Illinois and New York accusing them of hindering federal immigration enforcement. Makes a pirate wonder doesn't it? Is there a hidden treasure in all this? Perhaps a map leading to the Fountain of Youth?

Why Fight When You Can Negotiate…or Run?

Duffy in his infinite wisdom gave the states an ultimatum back in April: cooperate with immigration enforcement or kiss your transportation funding goodbye. The states being the clever sorts they are cried foul and took the matter to court. They argued that this condition was 'unconstitutionally ambiguous' and left them scratching their heads about what exactly constituted 'adequate cooperation.' Me? I'd have negotiated. Or failing that just sailed away under the cover of darkness. But I digress...

Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho!

So what does this all mean? Well for now the states get to keep their transportation funds and Trump's plan hits a bit of a snag. Whether this will lead to another grand adventure a treasure hunt or a Kraken attack... well that remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure: there's always more rum to be drunk more battles to be fought and more adventures to be had. Savvy?