20 States, DC Sue DOJ Over Immigration Rules on Victim Funds/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Twenty states and Washington, D.C., sued the Justice Department to block new immigration-related conditions tied to federal crime victim funds. The lawsuit argues the Trump administration is overstepping by linking VOCA grants to cooperation with immigration enforcement. Officials say the move threatens public safety and undermines victims’ willingness to report crimes.
Victim Fund Lawsuit Quick Looks
- Lawsuit filed in Rhode Island federal court challenges DOJ rules.
- Conditions tie Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds to immigration cooperation.
- 20 states plus Washington, D.C., joined the suit.
- Attorneys general argue DOJ lacks legal authority for new rules.
- Advocates warn immigrant victims may avoid reporting crimes.
- VOCA provides over $1 billion annually for victim compensation and services.
- New Jersey AG called the policy “the most heinous act” in politics.
- DOJ has recently pulled back other federal grants midstream.
- Trump administration targeting “sanctuary jurisdictions” through funding leverage.
Deep Look: 20 States and DC Sue DOJ Over Immigration Rules Tied to Victim Funds
WASHINGTON — August 18, 2025
A coalition of 20 states and Washington, D.C. filed a lawsuit Monday to stop the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from enforcing controversial immigration-related conditions on federal crime victim assistance funds.
The suit, filed in Rhode Island federal court, argues the Trump administration is illegally withholding grants under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to pressure states into cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
The Heart of the Dispute
Under the DOJ’s new rules, states risk losing VOCA funds if they:
- Refuse to honor immigration enforcement requests,
- Block ICE agents from entering facilities, or
- Fail to notify ICE about release dates for undocumented detainees.
State attorneys general say these conditions go beyond the law and undermine programs designed to protect vulnerable communities.
“These people did not ask for this status as a crime victim,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “They’ve suffered unimaginable trauma, and now their recovery is being politicized. This is the most heinous act I’ve seen in politics.”
What VOCA Provides
The Victims of Crime Act distributes more than $1 billion annually to states. The funds come entirely from fines and penalties collected in federal cases—not taxpayer dollars.
VOCA money supports:
- Medical expense reimbursements for victims,
- Funeral costs for homicide victims,
- Rape kit testing,
- Trauma recovery centers,
- Grants for domestic violence shelters, and more.
On average, VOCA covers 75% of awards from state victim compensation programs.
Why States Are Suing
Attorneys general argue that DOJ’s new immigration conditions:
- Violate the Constitution by coercing states,
- Contradict VOCA’s purpose, which never tied aid to immigration enforcement,
- Discourage crime reporting in immigrant communities, and
- Target sanctuary jurisdictions in a politically motivated crackdown.
“Victims must be protected regardless of immigration status,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “These grants were created to help survivors heal. We will not be bullied into abandoning any of our residents.”
Recent DOJ Funding Battles
- In April, DOJ canceled about $800 million in grants, including some for survivor support organizations, citing conflicts with administration priorities.
- In June, states sued over new Violence Against Women Act funding rules requiring applicants to avoid promoting “gender ideology” or diversity programs.
Many attorneys general say the new VOCA conditions are another tactic aimed at sanctuary cities and states.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi unveiled an updated list of jurisdictions the DOJ considers “sanctuary.” She pledged to “eradicate these harmful policies” and continue suing non-compliant states.
A Broader Immigration Power Struggle
The case underscores an escalating struggle over federal versus state power in immigration policy. While immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, states and cities have discretion over local cooperation levels.
By tying essential victim aid to immigration cooperation, critics argue the Trump administration is weaponizing federal funds to force states into compliance.
Supporters of the policy counter that states refusing to work with ICE allow dangerous offenders to remain at large, undermining public safety.
The Coalition
Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and D.C. signed onto the lawsuit.
All are Democrats.
What’s at Stake
If the DOJ prevails, states refusing to comply could lose millions in VOCA funding. For example, California receives over $200 million annually under VOCA, much of which goes to domestic violence and trauma recovery programs.
Victim advocates warn that loss of funding could devastate services, especially in marginalized communities already more vulnerable to crime.
For now, the lawsuit seeks an injunction to block the DOJ’s conditions while the case proceeds.
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