Tag

#coercive federalism

The use of federal funding conditions, threats, and penalties to compel state and local compliance with federal policy priorities. Raises Spending Clause concerns when conditions are unrelated to the purpose of the funds.

Updated March 25, 2026 Rule of Law
Major Abuse of Power Ongoing

Punishing Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Federal Funding Cutoffs and Lawsuits Against 29 States

Federal funding cutoffs threatened against sanctuary cities and their entire states, lawsuits against 29 states, and pending legislation to condition unrelated federal funding on immigration cooperation — a coercive federalism strategy that courts have repeatedly found unconstitutional.

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sanctuary citiesfederal fundingcoercive federalismimmigration enforcementstates' rights