Overview
- The Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss its appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued a decision and did not provide a reason for withdrawing.
- A Rhode Island federal court on November 4, 2025, permanently enjoined and vacated the transportation grant conditions, finding the administration exceeded statutory authority and violated constitutional limits and the APA.
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a multistate coalition, said dropping the appeal effectively concedes the case once the court approves the dismissal.
- The lawsuit followed a May 2025 letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlining expectations for state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Separately from the litigation, Duffy has moved to withhold $40 million and cancel $160 million in California highway funds over English-proficiency and Commercial Driver’s License compliance disputes, according to public statements.