United States: 16 States Sue Trump over Emergency Wall Declaration

By Staff, Agencies

Sixteen American states filed a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration to fund his promised wall along the country's border with Mexico.

The suit filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California on Monday, a US government holiday, came as thousands of people rallied nationwide to protest against the Republican's move last week.

In a statement, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the lawsuit alleges the Trump administration's action violates the Constitution.

"President Trump treats the rule of law with utter contempt," Becerra said. "He knows there is no border crisis, he knows his emergency declaration is unwarranted, and he admits that he will likely lose this case in court."

Becerra had previously said his state and others had legal standing because they risked losing money intended for military projects, disaster assistance and other purposes.

Joining California in filing the lawsuit against the Republican president's administration are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Virginia.