Latest news with #USConstitution
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Federal judge says Trump can't tie state funding to immigration enforcement
A US judge on Thursday stopped the Trump administration from forcing 20 Democratic-led states to help with immigration enforcement in order to receive federal transportation grants. Chief US District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island ruled that the US Department of Transportation cannot require states to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) to get billions in funding. The judge said this condition violated the US Constitution. 'Congress did not authorize or give authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars meant for transportation,' McConnell wrote in his ruling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo The judge added that the administration failed to show any logical link between cooperating with ICE and the purpose of the transportation grants, which are meant for highways, bridges, and other public works. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The 20 states, along with local governments, had sued after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned them they could lose funding if they did not help enforce federal immigration law. Duffy's April 24 notice told states they must support ICE or risk losing money for road and bridge projects. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU 'Any illegal immigrants?' Trump asks White House workers about deportation status Trump shifts immigration enforcement to US cities after farm sector backlash America's immigration mess shows it failing as a nation of laws McConnell's ruling blocks the policy while the lawsuit continues. The Trump administration had defended its policy as part of its broad crackdown on sanctuary cities and states that refuse to help with immigration arrests. Since returning to office in January, Trump has signed several executive orders calling for cuts to funding for jurisdictions that do not assist ICE. California Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the judge's decision. 'Trump was treating these funds — money for roads and public safety — as a bargaining chip,' Bonta said. The states also have another case in Rhode Island challenging similar conditions the Homeland Security Department placed on other grant programs. The Trump administration has not yet commented on the ruling.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Judge blocks Trump plan to force immigration crackdown
A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump's administration from forcing 20 Democrat-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive billions of dollars in transport funding. Chief US District Judge John McConnell ruled the Department of Transportation lacked the authority to make the demand, and that the condition violated the US Constitution. McConnell said the administration provided no plausible connection between cooperating with immigration enforcement and the purposes Congress intended for the funding, which is to support highways, bridges and other transportation projects. "Congress did not authorise or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes," McConnell wrote. The judge, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued a preliminary injunction preventing such a condition from being enforced against the 20 states that sued along with their government subdivisions, like cities. The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment. It has argued the policy was within the department's discretion. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the administration was seeking to unlawfully hold federal funds hostage to coerce them into adhering to the Republican president's hardline immigration agenda. They sued after US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy notified states in April they could lose transportation funding if they didn't cooperate with the enforcement of federal law, including efforts to enforce immigration law. Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has signed several executive orders that have called for cutting off federal funding to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his administration has moved to conduct mass deportations. Sanctuary jurisdictions generally have laws and policies that limit or prevent local law enforcement from assisting federal officers with civil immigration arrests. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a statement, hailed McConnell's ruling, saying Trump had been "treating these funds – funds that go toward improving our roads and keeping our planes in the air – as a bargaining chip." A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump's administration from forcing 20 Democrat-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive billions of dollars in transport funding. Chief US District Judge John McConnell ruled the Department of Transportation lacked the authority to make the demand, and that the condition violated the US Constitution. McConnell said the administration provided no plausible connection between cooperating with immigration enforcement and the purposes Congress intended for the funding, which is to support highways, bridges and other transportation projects. "Congress did not authorise or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes," McConnell wrote. The judge, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued a preliminary injunction preventing such a condition from being enforced against the 20 states that sued along with their government subdivisions, like cities. The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment. It has argued the policy was within the department's discretion. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the administration was seeking to unlawfully hold federal funds hostage to coerce them into adhering to the Republican president's hardline immigration agenda. They sued after US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy notified states in April they could lose transportation funding if they didn't cooperate with the enforcement of federal law, including efforts to enforce immigration law. Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has signed several executive orders that have called for cutting off federal funding to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his administration has moved to conduct mass deportations. Sanctuary jurisdictions generally have laws and policies that limit or prevent local law enforcement from assisting federal officers with civil immigration arrests. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a statement, hailed McConnell's ruling, saying Trump had been "treating these funds – funds that go toward improving our roads and keeping our planes in the air – as a bargaining chip." A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump's administration from forcing 20 Democrat-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive billions of dollars in transport funding. Chief US District Judge John McConnell ruled the Department of Transportation lacked the authority to make the demand, and that the condition violated the US Constitution. McConnell said the administration provided no plausible connection between cooperating with immigration enforcement and the purposes Congress intended for the funding, which is to support highways, bridges and other transportation projects. "Congress did not authorise or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes," McConnell wrote. The judge, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued a preliminary injunction preventing such a condition from being enforced against the 20 states that sued along with their government subdivisions, like cities. The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment. It has argued the policy was within the department's discretion. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the administration was seeking to unlawfully hold federal funds hostage to coerce them into adhering to the Republican president's hardline immigration agenda. They sued after US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy notified states in April they could lose transportation funding if they didn't cooperate with the enforcement of federal law, including efforts to enforce immigration law. Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has signed several executive orders that have called for cutting off federal funding to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his administration has moved to conduct mass deportations. Sanctuary jurisdictions generally have laws and policies that limit or prevent local law enforcement from assisting federal officers with civil immigration arrests. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a statement, hailed McConnell's ruling, saying Trump had been "treating these funds – funds that go toward improving our roads and keeping our planes in the air – as a bargaining chip." A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump's administration from forcing 20 Democrat-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive billions of dollars in transport funding. Chief US District Judge John McConnell ruled the Department of Transportation lacked the authority to make the demand, and that the condition violated the US Constitution. McConnell said the administration provided no plausible connection between cooperating with immigration enforcement and the purposes Congress intended for the funding, which is to support highways, bridges and other transportation projects. "Congress did not authorise or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes," McConnell wrote. The judge, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued a preliminary injunction preventing such a condition from being enforced against the 20 states that sued along with their government subdivisions, like cities. The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment. It has argued the policy was within the department's discretion. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the administration was seeking to unlawfully hold federal funds hostage to coerce them into adhering to the Republican president's hardline immigration agenda. They sued after US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy notified states in April they could lose transportation funding if they didn't cooperate with the enforcement of federal law, including efforts to enforce immigration law. Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has signed several executive orders that have called for cutting off federal funding to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his administration has moved to conduct mass deportations. Sanctuary jurisdictions generally have laws and policies that limit or prevent local law enforcement from assisting federal officers with civil immigration arrests. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a statement, hailed McConnell's ruling, saying Trump had been "treating these funds – funds that go toward improving our roads and keeping our planes in the air – as a bargaining chip."
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Judge blocks Trump plan to force immigration crackdown
A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump's administration from forcing 20 Democrat-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive billions of dollars in transport funding. Chief US District Judge John McConnell ruled the Department of Transportation lacked the authority to make the demand, and that the condition violated the US Constitution. McConnell said the administration provided no plausible connection between cooperating with immigration enforcement and the purposes Congress intended for the funding, which is to support highways, bridges and other transportation projects. "Congress did not authorise or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes," McConnell wrote. The judge, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, issued a preliminary injunction preventing such a condition from being enforced against the 20 states that sued along with their government subdivisions, like cities. The Trump administration did not respond to a request for comment. It has argued the policy was within the department's discretion. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the administration was seeking to unlawfully hold federal funds hostage to coerce them into adhering to the Republican president's hardline immigration agenda. They sued after US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy notified states in April they could lose transportation funding if they didn't cooperate with the enforcement of federal law, including efforts to enforce immigration law. Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has signed several executive orders that have called for cutting off federal funding to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as his administration has moved to conduct mass deportations. Sanctuary jurisdictions generally have laws and policies that limit or prevent local law enforcement from assisting federal officers with civil immigration arrests. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a statement, hailed McConnell's ruling, saying Trump had been "treating these funds – funds that go toward improving our roads and keeping our planes in the air – as a bargaining chip."
Economic Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Iran may close Strait of Hormuz if US decides to join war on Israeli side but does President Donald Trump have constitutional power to make a decision?
Iran has issued a strong warning about its strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning came amid growing tensions between Iran and Israel. The statement suggests Iran may act if the United States gets involved in the Member of Parliament Ali Yazdikhah said that Iran has the right to close the Strait of Hormuz. He made this statement on Thursday. Yazdikhah explained this would happen only if the United States enters the conflict alongside Israel. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments. Abu Ali al-Askari, a spokesperson of a group allied with Iran, issued a warning. He said that if the United States supports Israel militarily, US assets in the region will face attacks. He mentioned US bases could come under fire and shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb might close. He also said that oil ports in the Red Sea would shut down. He warned of potential damage to US aircraft. Also Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Rivals Event: How to earn rewards? See start date, time, rewards and when is next scheduled event White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about the US stance. She said President Donald Trump will make a decision in the next two weeks. The decision will depend on possible future negotiations with Iran. Trump shared that there is a chance for talks, but no clear plan has been made yet. Oil prices have increased due to rising tensions. Israel and Iran have continued to exchange missile strikes. On Thursday, Brent crude futures rose by $1.60 to reach $78.29 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude also rose to $78.34. Oil prices had already peaked at $78.50 on June 13 when Israel launched Read: Iran Israel Conflict: Does Israel have a nuclear arsenal? All you may want to know The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world's oil supply. If the strait is closed, oil supply may drop. That could raise the cost of goods and fuel. Trade, shipping, and travel might also slow US Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, while the president is commander in chief. Presidents can respond to threats but need congressional approval for extended military action. A federal law limits presidential war powers, requiring Congress to be notified within 48 hours and consulted before troops are deployed, unless war is formally declared. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important? It carries 20 percent of global oil, so any disruption can affect prices and supply across the world. When will the US decide on involvement? President Trump is expected to decide within two weeks, based on whether talks with Iran may happen.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
US tightens social media vetting for foreign students
People wanting to study in US universities will now have to make their social media accounts available for vetting, in a bid to identify any applicants who may be 'hostile'. According to an internal State Department cable reviewed by Reuters, US consular officers will be required to conduct a "comprehensive and thorough vetting" of all student and exchange visitor applicants to identify those who "bear hostile attitudes toward our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles." The cable, dated June 18 was sent to US missions on Wednesday. On May 27, the Trump administration ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said updated guidance would be released once a review was completed. The June 18 dated cable, which was sent by Rubio and sent to all US diplomatic missions, directed officers to look for "applicants who demonstrate a history of political activism, especially when it is associated with violence or with the views and activities described above, you must consider the likelihood they would continue such activity in the United States." The cable authorised the consular officers to ask the applicants to make all of their social media accounts public. "Remind the applicant that limited access presence could be construed as an effort to evade or hide certain activity," the cable said. The move follows the administration's enhanced vetting measures last month for visa applicants looking to travel to Harvard University for any purpose, in what a separate State Department cable said would serve as a pilot program for wider expanded screening. During the vetting, the directive asks officers to look for any potentially derogatory information about the applicant. "For example, during an online presence search, you might discover on social media that an applicant endorsed Hamas or its activities," the cable says, adding that may be a reason for ineligibility. Rubio, Trump's top diplomat and national security adviser, has said he's revoked the visas of hundreds, perhaps thousands of people, including students, because they got involved in activities that 'went against' US foreign policy priorities. Those activities include support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza. A Tufts University student from Turkey was held for over six weeks in an immigration detention centre in Louisiana after co-writing an opinion piece criticising her school's response to Israel's war in Gaza. She was released from custody after a federal judge granted her bail. Trump's critics have said the administration's actions are an attack on free speech rights under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. While the new directive allows posts to resume scheduling for student and exchange visa applicants, it is warning the officers that there may have to be fewer appointments due to the demands of more extensive vetting. At Harvard, the oldest and wealthiest US university on which the administration has launched a multifront attack by freezing its billions of dollars of grants and other funding, foreign students last year made up about 27 per cent of the total student population.
