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20 States Sue Trump Administration Over Federal Funding Conditions Tied to Immigration Enforcement

Democratic attorneys general argue the directives from DHS and DOT violate constitutional limits and jeopardize critical infrastructure and disaster relief funding.

U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement about a trade deal with the U.K., in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo
President Donald Trump answers a reporter's question during an event in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Monday.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before a House Appropriations subcommittee earlier this month.
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Overview

  • A coalition of 20 Democratic-led states filed two federal lawsuits challenging Trump administration policies conditioning federal grants on cooperation with immigration enforcement.
  • The lawsuits target memos issued by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, which threaten to withhold billions in transportation and disaster relief funds.
  • State attorneys general argue the policies exceed executive authority, violate the Spending Clause, and undermine Congress’s control over federal appropriations.
  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the conditions an illegal effort to coerce states into enforcing federal immigration policies, jeopardizing public safety and infrastructure projects.
  • The lawsuits, filed in Rhode Island, seek injunctions to prevent what states describe as imminent funding cuts that would harm emergency preparedness and critical services.