Following reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is threatening to withhold financial support from certain cities that he believes aren’t cooperating with federal immigration agents, DNC spokesperson Vedant Patel released the following statement:

“In true form of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is taking a leading role in using blatant bullying tactics by withholding critical funds from cities struggling with gun violence that he believes are not cooperating with the Justice Department. Not only is this wrong and a clear example of political jockeying, but Sessions is threatening to deny cities like Albuquerque crucial resources to fight crime. Instead of playing games, Sessions and the Trump Administration should be working collaboratively with local cities and law enforcement to invest in our communities and find smart solutions to crime.”