A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from redirecting more than $33 million in anti-terrorism funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The decision follows legal action taken by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who challenged DHS’s move to eliminate New York’s transit security funding.
Attorney General James released a statement following the court’s decision: “Millions of people use our subways, buses, and commuter rails each day. Today, the court temporarily stopped the federal government from ripping away $33 million in anti-terrorism funds that keep those riders safe. My office will never allow this administration to jeopardize New Yorkers’ security.”
The lawsuit was filed after DHS decided to cut New York’s Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) funding entirely. According to the complaint, this decision was allegedly made in response to New York’s “sanctuary” policies regarding immigration enforcement.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Attorney General James’ request for a temporary restraining order. The order blocks DHS from diverting or allowing these critical security funds to lapse back into the U.S. Treasury while litigation continues.
