Trump immigration funding policy stopped by a federal judge who found that the administration cannot condition transportation grants on state compliance with immigration enforcement. The ruling followed 20 Democratic states bringing the action in court against the action as unconstitutional. They claimed that the administration resorted to using federal money to pressure the states to ally its hardline immigration agenda. Chief US District Judge John McConnell made the injunction, which is another judicial setback for Trump’s immigration policy initiative.
Judge Rules in Favor of the States
Judge McConnell, who is located in Providence, Rhode Island, issued the states’ injunction request to hold up the policy. He agreed with the states that they were likely to win their case that the policy was unconstitutional. The decision stops the US Department of Transportation from applying immigration terms to transportation grants.
The Trump administration had threatened states with the loss of federal transport money unless they assisted in enforcing immigration laws. McConnell described this as crossing legal bounds.
States Push Back Against Coercion
The Democratic attorneys general-led states filed the suit after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a notice on April 24. Duffy informed states they had to back federal law enforcement agencies, such as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or face the loss of funds for roads, bridges, and infrastructure.
The states contended that Duffy did not have the authority to make such conditions. They asserted the policy was ambiguous and produced uncertainty regarding what constituted “cooperation.” They also stated it inappropriately threatened already-approved funds from Congress for transportation projects.
Trump’s Broader Crackdown
Since resuming office on January 20, President Trump has moved to punish sanctuary jurisdictions. These are cities or states that restrict local cooperation with ICE. Trump has signed executive orders to withhold different federal funds to these places.
The Justice Department has also sued such states as New York, Illinois, and Colorado for local legislation that is said to impede immigration enforcement.
Broader Legal Challenge Ahead
This lawsuit marks one of several battles over immigration enforcement conditions. The 20 states are also challenging a similar policy by the Department of Homeland Security in a separate case. That lawsuit focuses on grant restrictions imposed by Homeland Security linked to cooperation with ICE.
For now, the Rhode Island ruling blocks one key aspect of Trump’s funding strategy, reaffirming limits on federal power over states.