20 Democratic States Sue Trump Over Federal Funding Threats

A coalition of 20 Democratic-led states, spearheaded by California, has filed two federal lawsuits against the Trump administration, challenging its threat to withhold billions of dollars in transportation, counterterrorism, and disaster relief funding unless states comply with the federal immigration enforcement agenda. The states argue that this tactic is unconstitutional, as only Congress has the authority to allocate federal funds, and accuse the administration of using these funds as leverage to force cooperation with immigration policies aimed at mass deportation. The lawsuits target the Departments of Homeland Security and Transportation, whose leaders have issued letters demanding cooperation on immigration enforcement and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under threat of funding cuts. While no federal funds have yet been withheld, California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the threat as imminent and illegal, emphasizing that these funds are critical to community safety and unrelated to immigration enforcement. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul criticized the administration’s approach as politicizing essential funding that supports vital services such as disaster relief and airport operations. The Department of Homeland Security defended its position, accusing sanctuary jurisdictions of prioritizing illegal immigrants over American safety, while local protests and calls for due process have erupted in response to recent immigration enforcement actions.