Judge Rules States Can’t Be Forced to Cooperate with Immigration Agents for FEMA Grants Under Trump Administration

A federal judge recently ruled that requiring states to cooperate with immigration enforcement to receive FEMA grants is unconstitutional. This decision is a setback for the Trump administration, which aimed to cut funds to “sanctuary” cities that limit cooperation with immigration agents.

U.S. District Judge William Smith in Rhode Island sided with 20 states, mostly Democratic, who argued that the administration was unfairly holding back vital disaster funding. They claimed the move could cost them billions in emergency grants from FEMA, a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The states, including California, New York, and Illinois, argued that a document from DHS mandating cooperation with immigration authorities violated federal law and the Constitution.

The Trump administration contended that the policy was lawful. However, they later revealed that many FEMA grants would not actually be tied to immigration enforcement, calling the lawsuit moot. The states criticized this as a superficial fix, uncertain about its application beyond 2025.

In his 45-page ruling, Judge Smith described the policy as “arbitrary and capricious.” He noted that losing such emergency funds could lead to serious and irreparable harm, affecting public safety and disaster response capabilities.

This ruling is part of a broader effort by Trump’s administration to penalize jurisdictions that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the administration believes these cities complicate the apprehension of undocumented immigrants, advocates for sanctuary policies argue that such cooperation harms public trust. Many feel that requiring local police to enforce immigration laws may deter immigrants from reporting crimes.

This legal battle has highlighted a significant divide between federal and state approaches to immigration enforcement. Some recent surveys indicate that a majority of Americans support the idea of sanctuary policies, believing they enhance community safety by encouraging cooperation from immigrant communities.

As debates around immigration policy continue, this ruling can impact how federal and state governments interact in emergency funding situations. For more details on federal funding rules and immigration law, check out the Department of Homeland Security’s resources here.

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