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Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to block new restrictions on federal funding that supports survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes today. T
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in the District of Rhode Island, challenges a rule barring states from using Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG), and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds to provide services to undocumented immigrants, or other individuals who cannot prove their status, Attorney General Frey and the coalition argue that the new policy is unconstitutional and are asking the court to stop the rule from taking effect in their states.
“Victims of cime are human beings, deserving of care and support,” said Attorney General Frey. “When the Trump Administration attempts to predicate aid on one’s immigration status, it discourages victims from seeking help and pushes already vulnerable people further into danger.”
For decades, the VOCA and VAWA grant programs have enabled states to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violent crimes. The grants fund services such as legal representation in family court, relocation and housing assistance, compensation for medical bills and funeral costs and other civil legal services. Byrne JAG grants provide addiional resources to state and local governments for criminal justice initiatives, including – in some states – support for public defenders.
In their lawsuit, the attorneys general emphasize that all three programs have long been available to all eligible individuals regardless of immigration status.
Last month, DOJ informed states that they could no longer use VOCA, VAWA or Byrne JAG funds to provide legal services to undocumented immigrants. The new “Legal Services Condition” applies not only to future funding but also to grants already awarded and is scheduled to take effect on October 31, 2025.