State Attorneys General Sue Trump Administration Over Immigration Policies
A group of 20 Democratic state attorneys general has initiated two federal lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. The lawsuits argue that the administration is leveraging federal transportation and disaster-relief funds to compel states to comply with certain immigration policies.
The lawsuits target both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, alleging threats to withdraw funding from states not aligning with President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. Although funds have yet to be withheld, California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the urgency, describing the threat as “imminent.”
“President Donald Trump can’t use these funds as a bargaining chip as his way of ensuring states abide by his preferred policies,” Bonta stated during a press conference.
In response, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, affirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining the rule of law, stating, “Cities and states who break the law and prevent us from arresting criminal illegal aliens should not receive federal funding. The President has been clear on that.”
Transportation Secretary Duffy criticized the attorneys general for allegedly prioritizing illegal aliens over citizens, claiming the lawsuit results from their desire to continue breaking federal law.
The lawsuits claim constitutional violations, asserting the executive branch’s attempt to control federal spending, an authority reserved for Congress. On April 24, the Department of Transportation issued letters mandating state cooperation in immigration matters and the cessation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under threat of losing funds.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin highlighted the unfortunate timing of Duffy’s letter amid challenges like Newark airport’s radar issues. “I wish the administration would stop playing politics with people’s lives,” Platkin remarked. “I wish Secretary Duffy would do his damn job, which is to make sure planes land on time, not to direct immigration enforcement.”
Earlier, on February 24, a letter from the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that states obstructing federal immigration enforcement do not align with American ideals. Secretary Noem wrote, “If any government entity chooses to thumb its nose at the Department of Homeland Security’s national security and public safety mission, it should not receive a single dollar of the Department’s money unless Congress has specifically required it.”
The lawsuits are spearheaded by California and Illinois but were filed in federal court in Rhode Island. The attorneys general defended this choice, seeking a fair and objective forum for legal analysis.
These legal actions add to a series of challenges by Democratic-led states against Trump since his presidency began. Bonta noted California’s over 20 lawsuits, while Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha mentioned his state’s dozen-plus challenges.
While the lawsuits address various policies, including tariffs and federal employee issues, Trump’s immigration focus, particularly on the mass deportation and immigrant registry, remains highly contentious.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha described the situation as “a creeping authoritarianism,” reflecting the broader concerns about executive overreach.
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