A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from reducing public safety funding to New York and several other states. The order was granted after New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with attorneys general from 11 other states and the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit challenging DHS’s attempt to reallocate hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds.
The lawsuit, filed on September 29, claims that DHS unlawfully withheld funds from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). This program provides support for law enforcement training, emergency preparedness, and counter-terrorism activities. According to the suit, more than $100 million earmarked for New York—representing a 77 percent reduction in HSGP funds for the state—was at risk due to these cuts.
Attorney General James stated, “This is an important win for New Yorkers and for every state that relies on these critical funds to stop dangerous threats. The federal government cannot play politics with the safety of our communities and the hardworking law enforcement officers who protect them every day. I will continue fighting to ensure New York gets the resources we need to keep our state safe.”
The coalition argued that DHS’s actions violated both the law authorizing HSGP and the Administrative Procedure Act. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island agreed to temporarily block DHS’s reallocation efforts while litigation continues.
Other states joining New York in this legal action include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
