Federal Court Halts Trump Administration's Immigration-Funding Mandate

A federal judge has intervened to prevent the Trump administration from demanding cooperation on immigration enforcement as a prerequisite for receiving transportation grant funds. Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell, situated in Providence, Rhode Island, determined that the U.S. Department of Transportation's condition overstepped legal boundaries, violating the Constitution.

The ruling is part of a lawsuit led by Democratic state attorneys general, who claim the administration unlawfully attempted to use federal funds as leverage to enforce its immigration policies. These funds are meant to support crucial transportation infrastructure like highways and bridges, and not to serve as tools for immigration enforcement.

The decision underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration directives and state-administered programs. As states push back against federal immigration conditions on grant programs, this latest development marks a significant legal victory for sanctuary jurisdictions and could influence future federal funding policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)