Attorney General Kaul joins lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s VOCA grant conditions

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a multistate coalition Tuesday in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the federal government declared that states are barred from accessing Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds unless they assist in federal immigration enforcement.

According to a news release, federal VOCA grant funding provides direct compensation to victims and survivors of crimes, and it promotes local advocacy, counseling, and crisis response programs. The Trump administration’s directive jeopardizes victim services programs across Wisconsin, and the state is at risk of losing over $24 million in funding.

“VOCA funding is intended to be used to help victims of crime,” said Kaul in a statement. “It is appalling that the Trump administration is weaponizing this funding.”

The coalition argues the federal government’s actions are unlawful and conflict with the separation of powers and federalism — key components of the U.S. Constitution. The coalition requests the court to block the federal government from implementing or enforcing the conditions.

The full complaint can be viewed here.