Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, in a combined front with 19 other attorneys general, has launched legal action against the Trump Administration, challenging the imposition of immigration enforcement conditions on crucial federal funding for state emergency and infrastructure services. The two lawsuits, filed separately, target the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Transportation (DOT), arguing the Trump Administration's new stipulations unlawfully link immigration cooperation to billions in grants designated for public safety and infrastructure projects, as reported by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
The attorneys general are challenging orders from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, which require states and local areas to help with federal immigration enforcement to receive funding. In February, Noem stopped federal funds for places that don't comply, and Duffy added new conditions to DOT funding, which includes money for public transportation, highways, and airport upgrades. These funds are essential for important state projects that support public welfare and efficiency, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
"The Trump Administration is illegally tying immigration enforcement demands to vital federal funding grants that have absolutely nothing to do with immigration," Nessel stated, emphasizing the funds' intended use for aging infrastructure repair and emergency response readiness. She asserts that redirecting these allocated dollars signifies a prioritization of political agenda over American public safety, as reported by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
The lawsuits argue that immigration-related conditions could harm community safety by risking emergency response funds and damaging trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. In 2024, Michigan received over $60 million in DHS grants and nearly $257 million from FEMA for disaster responses. These funds are crucial for handling emergencies and maintaining trust and cooperation in the community, as detailed by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Several states, including California, New York, and Illinois, have joined AG Nessel in suing to protect federal transportation funding. Since 2021, Michigan has received over $771 million for infrastructure projects, with more still planned—like the M-85 railroad crossing, River Raisin Bridge, and I-75 Revitalization. According to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, losing this funding could delay or stop these projects and harm the state’s infrastructure.
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