Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to block new restrictions on federal funding that supports survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, challenges a rule that prohibits states from using Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG), and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds to provide certain legal services to undocumented immigrants or individuals unable to prove immigration status. The coalition argues that the policy is unlawful and is asking the court to stop it from taking effect.
According to the attorneys general, the DOJ rule—known as the “Legal Services Condition”—is set to take effect on October 31, 2025. It applies not only to future funding but also to grants already awarded.
The lawsuit contends that the new restrictions would disrupt victim services programs, cut off critical resources, and discourage survivors from seeking help. Service providers would be required to screen victims’ or witnesses’ immigration status, which could result in families being denied protection and create barriers between communities and law enforcement.
The attorneys general argue that the DOJ’s actions violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause by imposing retroactive and unclear conditions on previously awarded grants. They also allege the DOJ violated the Administrative Procedure Act by reversing decades of policy without adequate justification and without considering the harm to survivors and service providers.
VOCA and VAWA funds have historically been used to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crimes, while Byrne JAG grants provide resources for criminal justice initiatives, including public defense in some states.
Joining Attorney General Brown in the lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
