The nation’s biggest association of police chiefs asked President Trump Wednesday not to punish sanctuary cities by cutting federal funding.

In a statement, the International Association of Chiefs of Police said, "[S]tate and local law enforcement agencies depend on the cooperation of immigrants, legal or not, in solving a wide array of crimes. Striking the proper balance between enforcement and cooperation requires the full participation of elected officials, community leaders and their law enforcement agencies."

The IACP said it opposed the use of sanctions to support policy. “Penalizing communities by withholding assistance funding to law enforcement agencies and other critical programs is counter-productive to our shared mission of reducing violent crime and keeping our communities safe.”