20 Democrat attorneys sue Trump admin over conditions on federal funding

Washington D.C. — A coalition of 20 Democratic state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that it imposed unconstitutional conditions on federal funding tied to law enforcement grants.

The lawsuit, filed in a federal court, challenges the administration’s requirement that state and local governments cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in order to receive Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG). These grants are used widely to support police departments, crime prevention programs, and justice initiatives.

Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, the attorneys argue that the Trump administration’s conditions violate the Tenth Amendment and interfere with states’ rights to set their own policies.

“These funding conditions are a political weapon meant to coerce states into enforcing federal immigration policy,” said AG James in a press briefing. “It’s a dangerous overreach that undermines public safety.”

The Trump-era Justice Department had previously defended these restrictions, claiming they promote national security and immigration law enforcement.

However, multiple federal courts have already ruled that similar conditions are unconstitutional. This new multi-state lawsuit seeks not only to block the current requirements but also to establish legal precedent preventing future administrations from imposing similar mandates.

Among the states joining the lawsuit are Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The attorneys general claim that the funding threats disproportionately affect sanctuary cities and states that have policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Department of Justice has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

Legal experts say this case could have significant implications for the balance of power between state and federal governments, especially when it comes to conditional grants.

This legal challenge marks another chapter in the ongoing tension between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration over immigration, law enforcement autonomy, and federal funding authority.

The case is expected to be heard later this year, with potential nationwide impact depending on the court’s ruling.