Michigan Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over VOCA Grants

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for illegally imposing conditions on Congresionally-authorized Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. The Trump Administration has declared that States will be unable to access these funds, used to support victims and survivors of crimes, unless they agree to support the Administration's extreme immigration enforcement efforts. Nessel stated that the Trump Administration's actions are not only illegal but also dangerous for society, as they harm some of the most vulnerable residents in their time of greatest need.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump Administration has declared that States must assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) civil immigration enforcement efforts in order to receive VOCA grants.
• Congress did not authorize the DOJ to impose conditions on these grant programs that coerce States to devote their resources to enacting the Administration's immigration agenda.
• The attorneys general argue that this directive conflicts with core principles of American governance, including the separation of powers and federalism itself.
• VOCA grants have been awarded to 115 victim service organizations throughout Michigan who provide critical services to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking.
• The State of Michigan has received between $27 and $43 million in VOCA funding each year for the past 5 years.
• These funding streams have ensured that States can fulfill their most fundamental duties, including protecting public safety and redressing harm to their residents.
• The coalition of attorneys general is requesting that the Court permanently enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing or enforcing these illegal conditions.

Statistics:

• The State of Michigan has received between $27 and $43 million in VOCA funding each year for the past 5 years.
• VOCA grants have enabled States to assist nearly 9 million crime victims per year and provide compensation for more than 200,000 victims' claims per year.
• The VOCA was signed into law in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, creating a series of grant programs to enable States to provide critical resources and services to victims and survivors of crime.
• The total funding streams under VOCA have exceeded $1 billion per year nationwide.

Sources:

• "AG Nessel Joins Coalition of 21 Attorneys General to Sue Trump Administration Over VOCA Grants" - (PDF)
• Attorney General Nessel's video highlighting the importance of VOCA grants in Michigan