Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Homeland Security Funding Cuts to Sanctuary States

Federal Judge Mary McElroy blocked the Trump administration's attempt to redirect Homeland Security funds from states not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, ruling the policy unconstitutional.

The ruling favored 12 attorneys general who sued after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA cut over $233 million in grants from nine states and the District of Columbia.

The administration had sought to reduce funding from a $1 billion program, primarily benefiting police and fire departments, based on states' "sanctuary" policies regarding immigration.

Judge McElroy mandated the Department of Homeland Security reinstate funding allocations to the plaintiff states, asserting that tying FEMA funds to immigration enforcement cooperation is unconstitutional.

Attorneys general praised the order, which ensures critical federal grants for emergency services will be restored to jurisdictions previously targeted for non-cooperation with federal immigration policies.