Washington state, alongside 19 other attorneys general, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration over federal funding conditions tied to immigration enforcement. The lawsuits challenge directives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) that threaten to withhold funds unless states assist in federal immigration efforts.
The first lawsuit targets FEMA, DHS, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The second is directed at DOT and its Secretary Sean Duffy. These agencies have set new conditions requiring state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement or risk losing billions in funding critical for public safety and transportation infrastructure.
Washington's laws do not obstruct federal immigration law enforcement but maintain that it is not a responsibility of state agencies. The Keep Washington Working Act prohibits local law enforcement from allocating resources to federal civil immigration enforcement. State officials argue that these federal conditions could undermine trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, which is vital for public safety.
"The President is once again acting illegally, threatening federal funding cuts without authority," stated Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. "But the Trump administration cannot retaliate against our state for protecting the rights and dignity of all residents."
In recent years, Washington spent significant amounts on DHS ($500 million) and DOT ($1.1 billion) funding for various projects including highway construction and public transportation maintenance.
Secretary Noem instructed DHS sub-agencies in February to halt funding to jurisdictions not assisting with immigration law enforcement. Subsequently, DOT Secretary Duffy communicated similar expectations regarding DOT funds used for infrastructure improvements.
The attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Vermont are participating in these lawsuits.
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