News Summary
Twenty-one Democratic state attorneys general, including Rhode Island’s Peter Neronha, have filed a lawsuit against the DOJ to protect victim funding amid federal directives linking state grants to immigration policies. The complaint argues that proposed cuts could jeopardize over $1 billion intended for crime victims. Neronha disputes the characterizations of Rhode Island’s immigration policies as ‘sanctuary’ and emphasizes the critical need for continued support for victim assistance programs. The case underscores the potential impact of federal policy on local victim services as the deadline for grant applications approaches.
Rhode Island – Twenty-one Democratic state attorneys general, including Rhode Island’s Peter Neronha, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in Rhode Island federal court. The lawsuit, initiated on August 18, 2025, aims to protect federal funding designated for victims of violent crimes in the face of recent federal directives that tie state grants to unrelated immigration policies.
The attorneys general assert that the Trump administration’s actions could lead to over $1 billion in cuts to direct compensation and support services for violently victimized individuals and their families across the nation. Specifically, the legal complaint seeks to prevent the DOJ from withholding funds allocated under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) based on state policies that provide sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.
In a letter dated August 13, 2025, Bondi issued a demand to Rhode Island to amend its policies that, according to her, obstruct federal immigration enforcement. She threatened the state with criminal charges and a loss of federal funding should it fail to comply with these demands. Neronha has rejected the “sanctuary” label, referencing a 2014 federal ruling that discusses states’ rights to regulate their immigration policies.
The lawsuit emphasizes that federal requests to enforce civil immigration laws exceed the capacities and responsibilities of local law enforcement, detracting from their primary duties. Neronha has pointed out that cuts in funding could significantly disrupt state victim services programs supported by VOCA, which allocated $3.3 million in federal funds for fiscal year 2024 and has assisted nearly 42,000 victims of violent crimes and their families in Rhode Island alone.
Proposed cuts in funding may result in a staggering $1.4 billion decrease in available resources to states for the 2025 fiscal year, jeopardizing essential services for victims of crimes including gun violence and sexual assault. The consequences of these funding lapses may create unsafe conditions for victims and potentially discourage them from cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
Neronha’s office has previously engaged in legal action against federal constitutional violations since the Trump administration took office, creating a historical precedent for such lawsuits. This latest legal challenge has garnered support from attorneys general from several states, including New Jersey, Delaware, California, and Illinois, further underscoring the widespread concern over the potential implications of federal policy changes.
The attorneys general involved in the lawsuit are advocating for the DOJ to cease imposing funding conditions that impede crime victim support and to secure vital financial resources for victim assistance programs across the nation. As the deadline for applications for federal grants approaches on August 20, 2025, with award announcements expected on September 30, 2025, Neronha has indicated plans to apply for a grant aimed at improving Rhode Island’s VOICE online portal dedicated to crime victim support.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant ramifications for the future of crime victim funding in Rhode Island and beyond, potentially altering the landscape of victim services and support systems dependent on federal funding. As developments unfold, the focus remains on how the DOJ will respond to the lawsuit and the implications for victims who rely on these crucial resources.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current
- Wikipedia: Victims of Crime Act
- U.S. News
- Google Search: Violent Crime Victim Funding
- Providence Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- GoLocalProv
- Google News: Rhode Island Violent Crime News
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
