Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will not be bailing out so-called “sanctuary cities” that defy federal immigration laws or allow rioters to torch transportation infrastructure.
“The @USDOT will NOT fund rogue state actors who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement,” Duffy stated bluntly on X.
“And to cities that stand by while rioters destroy transportation infrastructure — don’t expect a red cent from DOT, either. Follow the law, or forfeit the funding.”
Duffy’s statement is a direct response to President Trump’s renewed call to crack down on Democrat-run cities that harbor illegal immigrants and enable chaos.
The @USDOT will NOT fund rogue state actors who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
And to cities that stand by while rioters destroy transportation infrastructure — don’t expect a red cent from DOT, either. Follow the law, or forfeit the funding. https://t.co/cCRi4ALT23
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) June 16, 2025
This hardline tactic follows Duffy’s April 24 directive—under the “Follow the Law” banner—threatening to cut funding for agencies embracing DEI programs or turning a blind eye to illegal immigration.
On April 24, 2025, Secretary Duffy released a formal letter to all recipients of federal transportation funding.
Grant recipients must comply fully with all federal laws—this includes constitutional protections, federal statutes, and relevant regulations. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions or loss of funding.
“Federal grants come with a clear obligation to adhere to federal laws,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “It shouldn’t be controversial – enforce our immigration rules, end anti-American DEI policies, and protect free speech. These values reflect the priorities of the American people, and I will take action to ensure compliance.”
Key Letter Excerpts:
“As recipients of such DOT funds, you have entered into legally enforceable agreements with the United States Government and are obligated to comply fully with all applicable Federal laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include the United States Constitution, Federal statutes, applicable rules, and public policy requirements, including, among others, those protecting free speech and religious liberty and those prohibiting discrimination and enforcing controls on illegal immigration. As Secretary of Transportation, I am responsible for ensuring recipients of DOT financial assistance are aware of and comply with all applicable legal obligations.”On Immigration
“In addition, your legal obligations require cooperation generally with Federal authorities in the enforcement of Federal law, including cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Federal offices and components of the Department of Homeland Security in the enforcement of Federal immigration law. DOT has noted reported instances where some recipients of Federal financial assistance have declined to cooperate with ICE investigations, have issued driver’s licenses to individuals present in the United States in violation of Federal immigration law, or have otherwise acted in a manner that impedes Federal law enforcement. Such actions undermine Federal sovereignty in the enforcement of immigration law, compromise the safety and security of the transportation systems supported by DOT financial assistance, and prioritize illegal aliens over the safety and welfare of the American people whose Federal taxes fund DOT’s financial assistance programs.”
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