Michigan Attorney General Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's VOA Grant Conditions

Strategic Insights -

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside a coalition of 21 attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for imposing illegal conditions on Congressionally-authorized Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. The Trump Administration's move disregards the clear letter of the law and intent of Congress, forcing states to agree to support extreme immigration enforcement efforts in order to access VOCA grant funds, which are used to support victims and survivors of crimes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit, filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 21 other attorneys general, challenges the Trump Administration's imposition of conditions on VOCA grants, which are used to support victims and survivors of crimes.
  • The conditions require states to support the Trump Administration's extreme immigration enforcement efforts in order to access VOCA grant funds, despite Congress not authorizing such conditions.
  • The VOCA grants were created in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan to provide critical resources and services to victims and survivors of crime, including victim and witness advocacy services, emergency shelter, medical, funeral, and burial expenses, and more.
  • States use these funds to assist nearly 9 million crime victims per year and to provide compensation for over 200,000 victims' claims per year.
  • The State of Michigan has received between $27 and $43 million in VOCA funding each year for the past 5 years, and has awarded these grants to 115 victim service organizations throughout the state.
  • The Trump Administration's directive conflicts with core principles of American governance, including the separation of powers and federalism.
  • Attorney General Nessel and the coalition are requesting that the Court permanently enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing or enforcing these illegal conditions.

Statistics:

  • Over $1 billion per year nationwide is allocated for VOCA grants to support victims and survivors of crimes.
  • Nearly 9 million crime victims per year receive assistance from states using VOCA grants.
  • Over 200,000 victims' claims per year are compensated through VOCA grants.
  • The State of Michigan has received between $27 and $43 million in VOCA funding each year for the past 5 years.
  • 115 victim service organizations throughout the state have received VOCA grants.

Sources:

  • "Michigan Attorney General Nessel Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Imposition of Illegal Conditions on Victims of Crime Act Grants" (Michigan.gov, 08/19/2025)
  • * (PDF) lawsuit filed by Attorney General Nessel and 21 other attorneys general