The state was advised by the Transport Secretary to “enforce immigration rules, end anti-American DEI policies, and protect free speech.
The federal government warned Thursday that failure to adhere to policies relating to illegal immigration and discrimination could lead to loss of federal transport funds.
“Policies, programs or activities based on prohibited categories that contain discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve the so-called “diversity, equity, and inclusion” or “DEI” goals are presumably in violation of federal law.”
“Discriminatory measures in policies, programs and activities based on prohibited categories constitute a clear violation of federal law and the terms of grant agreements.”
To receive DOT funds, states must comply with legal requirements, work with the federal government in enforcing immigration laws, and block immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) officials, the letter added.
Former Wisconsin Rep. Duffy said his agency found “reported cases in which some federal financial aid recipients refused to cooperate with ice investigations, reported cases in which they issued driver’s licenses to individuals present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws, or otherwise acted in ways that would hinder federal law enforcement.
Since his inauguration date on January 20th, Trump has signed numerous orders, including orders to call emergency situations to deal with border security and illegal immigration. They include limiting birthright citizenship, declaring a national state of emergency at the border, declaring several drug cartels and transnational gang terrorist organizations, and evoking the alien enemy law of 1798.
In March, the federal appeals court said the Trump administration could temporarily ban the DEI program in federal agencies and businesses in government contracts after lower courts blocked the ban.
Instructing federal agencies to eliminate the DEI program, Trump has also eliminated federal contractors, including many of the largest companies in the United States. He also told the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other agencies to identify businesses, schools, and nonprofits that are illegally discriminating through their DEI policies.
The Trump administration maintains in court documents that the order does not ban or block speech and targets illegal discrimination.
Reuters contributed to this report.
