Attorney General Keith Ellison, alongside a coalition of 19 attorneys general, has initiated legal action against the Trump Administration. The lawsuits challenge conditions imposed on federal funding that allegedly coerce states into enforcing immigration laws. These conditions threaten billions in funds allocated for emergency services and infrastructure.
The first lawsuit targets the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The second is directed at the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. Both agencies are accused of imposing new requirements that would compel state agencies to engage in immigration enforcement, traditionally a federal responsibility.
Ellison stated, “Law enforcement agents across Minnesota work hard to protect and serve their communities, and we are truly grateful for all they do... It is both wrong and unlawful for the Trump Administration to demand Minnesota law enforcement step away from their patrols, investigations, and community-engagement work to instead enforce federal immigration law.”
The coalition argues that Congress established numerous grant programs administered by FEMA and DOT. These grants fund disaster relief, infrastructure projects like bridges and airports, as well as training for first responders.
In February, Secretary Noem instructed DHS to halt funding to jurisdictions not assisting with federal immigration law enforcement. Subsequently, DHS amended funding terms requiring recipients' cooperation in these efforts.
DOT Secretary Duffy also communicated intentions to require state assistance in immigration enforcement as a condition for receiving transportation funds. This includes grants for highway construction and public transport maintenance.
State agencies have noticed similar language regarding immigration enforcement being added to grant terms by various federal administrations related to railroads, highways, and transit systems.
The lawsuit against FEMA contends that the conditions exceed its authority and violate constitutional principles by infringing on Congress's power over appropriations. Attorney General Ellison highlighted concerns about potential risks if states lose access to essential emergency preparedness funds due to these conditions.
Similarly, the lawsuit against DOT challenges its authority in imposing such conditions on transportation funds meant for critical infrastructure projects. Under previous administrations like Biden's, Minnesota received substantial grants supporting various development projects.
Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan Nevada New Jersey New Mexico New York Oregon Rhode Island Washington Wisconsin Vermont join Ellison in this legal effort.