A federal judge in Massachusetts says claims from sanctuary cities that they face “imminent” funding risks because of their protections for immigrants are “speculative” and not enough for him to side with them in a court battle.

Judge Nathaniel Gorton has denied a request from Somerville and Chelsea for the court to block the federal government from withholding funding due to their immigration policies, as their lawsuit against the Trump administration continues.

Somerville and Chelsea had requested a preliminary injunction in June, arguing that the targeting of cities and towns over their local policies is unconstitutional and at odds with the advice of local law enforcement.

The cities, abutting Boston, have also claimed that if the feds withhold funds amid their legal dispute, there

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