PHOENIX (KNXV) - Phoenix City Council is expected to vote on becoming a so-called Sanctuary City Wednesday afternoon.
There's a lot at risk -- especially financially.
President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding to sanctuary cities who don't follow the law. For Phoenix, that comes down to three-quarters of a billion dollars, according to Legal and Political Analyst James Goodnow.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has been adamant --- his police department will not help with mass deportations. However, he says Phoenix can't become a sanctuary city because it's against state law.
Goodnow says just the fact city council is voting on the issue is a win for Republicans.
"We know at his core he doesn't embrace these Donald Trump-like policies," said Goodnow. "He probably would like to see Phoenix as a sanctuary city but they (Republicans) understand because of the legal landscape and because of the political landscape he can't go there. That's going to disappoint many progressive Democrats who want Stanton to stand up."
Stay with KGUN9 and KGUN9.com for updates on Wednesday's vote.
