Multiple States Sue Trump Administration Over Crime Victim Fund Withholding

A coalition of state attorneys general, led by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's policy of withholding Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant money from states unless they comply with federal immigration enforcement priorities. These VOCA funds are critical for services such as advocacy, sexual assault forensic exams, funeral expenses, and other support for crime victims. Platkin condemned the administration's directive as cruel and illegal, accusing it of playing politics with the lives of victims and violating principles of separation of powers and federalism, since Congress did not authorize imposing immigration-related conditions on VOCA funding. The lawsuit is supported by attorneys general from multiple states including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and others, highlighting widespread opposition to the policy. The states argue that withholding these funds undermines crucial victim support and exceeds the Department of Justice’s authority. This legal challenge represents a significant pushback against the Trump Administration’s immigration-linked funding conditions on critical crime victim resources.