Federal judge blocks Trump admin from withholding transportation funds
A federal judge in Rhode Island has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from denying federal transportation funds to states that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement authorities. This decision comes after twenty Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit challenging a new Department of Transportation policy that threatened to withhold or terminate federal funding to states or local governments that do not comply with immigration enforcement policies.
The Trump administration’s efforts to deny federal funds to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions were deemed unconstitutional and unlawful by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. McConnell stated that the Department of Transportation’s actions violated the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeded Congress’s powers under the Spending Clause. As a result, the Trump administration is now prohibited from implementing or enforcing the Immigration Enforcement Condition as set forth in the Duffy Directive.
Furthermore, the preliminary injunction prevents the administration from withholding or terminating federal funding based on immigration enforcement conditions without specific statutory authorization. The judge also prohibited any adverse actions against state entities or local jurisdictions based on immigration enforcement conditions, unless specifically authorized by law.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been vocal in warning states that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement that they may be responsible for their own infrastructure repairs. Duffy has specifically called out California officials for their lack of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, especially in light of recent riots and protests in cities like Los Angeles.
Duffy has emphasized the importance of adhering to federal law in order to receive federal grants, stating that enforcing immigration rules, ending anti-American policies, and protecting free speech are non-negotiable priorities for the Trump administration. He has made it clear that the Department of Transportation will not fund states or cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement or stand by while transportation infrastructure is destroyed.
This decision serves as a significant blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to penalize states for their immigration policies. It underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of states to govern themselves in accordance with their own laws and policies. As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration will respond to the injunction and what implications it may have for future immigration enforcement policies.
