Twenty state attorneys general are suing the USDOT for conditioning infrastructure funds on immigration enforcement, which they say threatens billions in projects and violates constitutional limits on federal authority. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Twenty state attorneys general are suing the USDOT for conditioning infrastructure funds on immigration enforcement, which they say threatens billions in projects and violates constitutional limits on federal authority.

The lawsuit follows an April 24 announcement by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who warned that the USDOT would withhold funds from states that refuse to assist federal immigration authorities. Plaintiffs argue the move is coercive and unconstitutional.

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States Challenge USDOT’s Attempt to Link Funding to Immigration

Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the coalition includes California, Illinois, and New Jersey among others. They argue that the USDOT is unlawfully using funding to force compliance with federal immigration priorities.

James called the measure a “blatant overreach” that risks delaying or canceling vital transportation projects. She stressed that Congress—not the executive—holds the power to allocate such funds, not as tools for political leverage.

The attorneys general claim the move violates the Tenth Amendment and separation of powers. They’re asking a federal court to block the directive and restore the intended use of the allocated funds.

USDOT Faces Legal Pushback From 20 Attorneys General

The plaintiff states emphasize the need to safeguard essential infrastructure from political interference. They believe the USDOT is improperly pressuring local governments by tying transportation funds to unrelated federal enforcement efforts.

If upheld, the directive could halt transit upgrades and safety improvements across multiple states. The coalition seeks immediate judicial intervention to protect access to billions in authorized infrastructure funds.

The case reflects growing friction between federal agencies and state governments over immigration and funding authority. The lawsuit may set a critical precedent for future allocations by USDOT and other departments.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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