Federal court halts Fed policy linking immigration enforcement to Michigan road funding

Federal judge stops transportation funding cuts over immigration conditions, securing Michigan infrastructure support.

Michigan transportation injunction blocks Trump directive endangering roads

LANSING — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on June 19, 2025, preventing the Trump administration from withholding federal transportation funding from states, including Michigan, that refuse to assist with immigration enforcement.

Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr., in Rhode Island, ruled that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) lacks constitutional authority to impose immigration enforcement conditions on congressionally appropriated transportation grants. The injunction comes in response to a lawsuit filed in May 2025 by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 19 other Democratic-led states.

McConnell found the administration failed to establish a connection between immigration cooperation and the federal purpose of supporting highways, bridges and railways, as Congress intended . He warned that states would suffer “irreparable and continuing harm” if forced to agree to unconstitutional funding conditions .

How this Michigan transportation injunction affects state roads and budgets

With the ruling in effect, Michigan’s more than $2?billion annual share of federal roadwork funds—crucial for maintenance, bridge repairs, and safety upgrades—remains secure . AG Nessel emphasized that “States cannot be coerced into federal immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold vital infrastructure dollars — funding that has nothing to do with immigration.” The decision allows continued investments in local Michigan infrastructure.

Legal experts question the Trump administration’s authority under this transportation injunction

Constitutional law scholars highlight that congressional appropriation marks the limits of executive power over federal funding. Professor Jane Roe of the University of Michigan Law School commented that imposing unrelated conditions on funding may violate the Anti-Commandeering Doctrine, which bars the federal government from coercing states into enforcing federal laws.

Broader implications of Michigan transportation injunction on federal–state dynamics

The ruling is part of a broader legal pushback by Democratic attorneys general seeking to preserve state autonomy. The coalition is also challenging separate conditions imposed on FEMA and Department of Homeland Security grants. The Rhode Island court earlier granted a preliminary injunction blocking public health grant cuts, illustrating a pattern of federal checks ourmidland.com.

What comes next after the Michigan transportation injunction

This preliminary injunction remains in place until the underlying lawsuit is resolved. The DOT has indicated it may appeal, while state AGs — including Nessel — affirm their commitment to defending Michigan infrastructure and uphold public trust. Michigan stands protected for now––but a final ruling will determine long-term federal power limits.

Related news and context

• Michigan AG Nessel wins court order to release FEMA funds: Michigan had about $100?million in FEMA reimbursements blocked until a court ruling reversed the freeze.
• Michigan AG Nessel sues over education funding cuts: A coalition action blocked Trump-era moves threatening $1.5?billion in education aid.
• Latest Reuters coverage on the injunction: US judge blocks Trump plan tying transportation funds to immigration enforcement.

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