A federal judge has ruled that Philadelphia can proceed with its lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has threatened to withhold federal grant money over its sanctuary city policies.

U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Tuesday denied Sessions’ motion to dismiss the case, captioned City of Philadelphia v. Sessions. The lawsuit was aimed at preventing the attorney general from withdrawing a Justice Assistance Grant providing more than $1 million to the city annually.