Attorney General Dan Rayfield, leading a coalition of 19 other attorneys general, has initiated a pair of lawsuits against the Trump administration, in a pushback against what they view as coercive tactics to involve states in federal immigration enforcement. The dispute centers around the administration's threat to withhold federal funding, which supports critical state services such as emergency management and infrastructure. "This is another attempt to place conditions on money by holding hostage our safe roads and public safety," Rayfield stated, conveying the urgency of the matter.
The allegations contend that agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, have overstepped their authority. The lawsuits also target the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, asserting that such conditions are not only punitive but also beyond the agencies' jurisdiction. As reported by the Oregon Department of Justice, billions of dollars that aid in everything from wildfire recovery to road and bridge repairs are at stake.
With hundreds of millions hanging in the balance, the potential financial loss casts a long shadow over the state's ability to maintain public safety. For instance, Oregon's Department of Emergency Management was allocated $243 million by FEMA last year, funding that plays a pivotal role in disaster response and preparedness. The coalition's action suggests a strong stance on protecting this lifeline of support from being curtailed by unrelated immigration policy demands.
In their legal battle against the DOT, Attorney General Rayfield reiterated states' rights to self-determination. "Oregon, like many states, has made its own choices about what's important for our communities and how to use our state resources to achieve those goals. We believe it's a fundamental right for Oregon to set its own course," said Rayfield. Furthermore, Oregon's transportation sector, which received upward of $728 million from the DOT last year, plays a significant role in sustaining vital infrastructure, much of which could suffer without these funds.
The extensive coalition underscores a widespread concern that spans across the United States, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont.
