Lawyers for Chicago asked a federal judge Monday to stop President Trump’s administration from withholding public safety grants from cities and counties that provide sanctuary to immigrants in the country illegally.

In a hearing, city lawyer Ronald Safer asked US District Judge Harry Leinenweber for a nationwide temporary injunction’’ to prevent the Justice Department from withholding public safety grants from cities and counties unless they agree to enforce federal immigration laws.

Leineweber did not rule on Monday, and it was not clear when he will decide.

During the hearing, a city lawyer said the new requirements for the federal grants are unconstitutional. A Justice Department lawyer countered that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has the authority to impose the rules.

Chicago is among at least seven cities and counties, as well as the state of California, refusing to cooperate with the new federal requirements.

Chicago sued the US Department of Justice last month, arguing the new policy was unconstitutional.

The city’s lawsuit focuses on conditions set by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions to qualify for the grants, including that cities give federal agents access to detention facilities. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said Chicago won’t be “blackmailed’’ into changing its values as a city welcoming of immigrants.

Sessions has said tougher enforcement of immigration laws will help reduce crime. He also warned that Chicago would forfeit its rights to the federal funds if it insists on violating the law.

ASSOCIATED PRESS