Legal Action

A coalition of U.S. States has filed suit challenging a policy that conditions the distribution of Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funds on states’ cooperation with federal immigration enforcement priorities. The plaintiffs allege the policy is unlawful because it exceeds the Department of Justice’s statutory authority, violates federalism and separation of powers, is arbitrary and capricious, and infringes the Spending Clause by coercing states into unrelated federal objectives. They contend that the policy undermines the purpose of VOCA grants, fails to account for states’ reliance interests, and imposes immigration requirements unrelated to victim services. The plaintiffs seek a court order enjoining the implementation and enforcement of the challenged conditions and preserving their access to VOCA funds without complying with the immigration-related directives.

On October 20, the court issued a stay of the proceedings pursuant to a joint stipulation by the parties.