A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from spending some Defense Department money to build a border wall with Mexico, the latest twist in a long-running legal battle over one of the president's signature domestic issues and campaign priorities.
The ruling applies to $3.6 billion that was diverted in September from 127 military construction projects to build 175 miles of border wall.
That includes $30 million to construct a new facility at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista.
Democratic members of Arizona's congressional delegation released statements following the ruling. U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick represents the state's 2nd Congressional District, which covers Arizona's southeastern corner, including the border with Mexico.
"The court’s ruling proves the strength and power of our constitution. The President’s attempts to move money around without approval defies the constitutional authority of Congress," Kirkpatrick was quoted as saying a statement. "This wall is a vanity project for the President, it’s a political chant for his base—it’s not a safety measure for a national emergency."
Congressman Raúl Grijalva — representing the 3rd Congressional District, which extends west along Arizona's southern border with Mexico — released a statement applauding the injunction issued by a federal judge in El Paso.
"Judge Briones confirmed what we’ve known all along: President Trump broke the law when he circumvented Congress and stole military funds to build his border wall," Grijalva was quoted in the release.
The Justice Department says it will appeal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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