Press Release: 10/1/2025
AG Campbell Files New Lawsuit Against DOJ To Protect Services For Crime Survivors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10/01/2025
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Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary
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Call Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
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Email Allie Zuliani, Deputy Press Secretary at Allie.Zuliani@mass.gov
BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today joined a coalition of 21 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 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 legal services to individuals who cannot prove their status. AG Campbell 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.
“All victims of violent crime deserve support regardless of their immigration status. The Trump Administration’s attempt to prevent certain individuals – who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or any other horrific crime – from receiving assistance is cruel and senseless,” said AG Campbell.“I am proud to stand with my colleagues in pushing back against these unlawful restrictions, and I will continue fighting to protect all Massachusetts residents.”
For decades, the VOCA and VAWA grant programs have assisted victims of violent crimes by funding 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 additional 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.
Recently, 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. The changes are scheduled to take effect on October 31, 2025.
AG Campbell and the coalition warn that the new restrictions will upend victim services programs, cut off critical resources, and discourage survivors from seeking help. If service providers have to screen victims’ or witnesses’ immigration status, they could be forced to deny protection to families in crisis – a policy that would ultimately silence survivors, erode trust between communities and law enforcement, and make it more difficult to hold violent criminals accountable. The attorneys general also highlight the fact that many service providers do not have the capacity or resources necessary to enact such screening processes.
In today’s lawsuit, AG Campbell and the coalition argue that DOJ’s new restrictions violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause by attaching retroactive and ambiguous conditions to grants that were already awarded, in some cases years ago. The attorneys general also assert that DOJ acted in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to justify its reversal of decades-long policy and by ignoring the harm the rule will cause to survivors and service providers.
In August, AG Campbell and a coalition of 21 attorneys general filed a separate lawsuit challenging DOJ’s plan to impose illegal conditions on over $1 billion in VOCA grants. The conditions prevent states from accessing VOCA funds unless they agree to comply with the Trump Administration’s extreme immigration priorities. AG Campbell and the coalition are requesting that the Court permanently enjoin the Trump Administration from implementing or enforcing these illegal conditions.
Joining AG Campbell in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.