A coalition of 20 states, predominantly led by Democrats, is challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to tie crucial federal grants to cooperation with immigration enforcement. The states filed two lawsuits on May 13, aiming to block the president’s push to withhold billions of dollars in funding for transportation, counter-terrorism, and emergency preparedness unless they comply with his hardline immigration policies.
The lawsuits, filed in federal court in Rhode Island, target the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, accusing them of illegally using federal funds to force states into adopting immigration enforcement practices. The states argue that the administration’s actions violate the separation of powers, as they believe it oversteps Congress’ authority to control government spending.
California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, who is spearheading the litigation, slammed the administration’s approach, calling it an “illegal” maneuver to leverage funds meant for public safety. Bonta argued that the administration is turning funds, crucial for roads and disaster preparedness, into a bargaining chip for its controversial immigration agenda.
The Trump administration, on the other hand, defends its stance. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that states resisting federal immigration arrests should forfeit federal funding, emphasizing that the safety of U.S. citizens must take precedence over so-called “sanctuary” policies.
This legal battle is part of a broader conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states that limit local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration matters. The administration has previously targeted sanctuary cities, with mixed results in court. A federal judge recently blocked the withholding of funds from 16 cities and counties with sanctuary laws.
One of the lawsuits filed this week centers on new conditions set by the Department of Homeland Security, which requires states to back federal immigration enforcement or risk losing funds for emergency preparedness, disaster relief, and cybersecurity. New York’s Attorney General Letitia James echoed the sentiment, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to force states to choose between essential disaster preparedness and complying with the administration’s chaotic immigration policies.
The second lawsuit challenges a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, dated April 24, which warned that states failing to cooperate with immigration enforcement could lose vital transportation funding, or be penalized for not maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
This latest round of legal action underscores the ongoing tension between state and federal governments, as the Trump administration continues to press for stricter immigration policies at the cost of federal funds meant to support public safety and infrastructure.
