New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing them of unlawfully withholding nearly $34 million in federal funding intended for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The MTA, responsible for New York City’s subways, buses, and commuter rail systems, relies heavily on federal support to maintain safety and operations for millions of daily riders.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeks an emergency temporary restraining order to prevent the funding from being cut off. James requested the court act before midnight to safeguard the money while the legal process unfolds. According to her office, DHS abruptly reduced New York’s award from nearly $34 million to zero, a move she described as “unlawful” and politically motivated.
James emphasized that she is not demanding the funds be released immediately, but rather that they be preserved until the courts determine the outcome. She warned that the loss of this funding jeopardizes the safety of millions of New Yorkers who depend on public transit every day. “I am asking the court to stop these funds from vanishing and to ensure New Yorkers are not put at risk by this administration’s political games,” she said.
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit. The urgency of the case stems from the immediate impact the funding loss could have on MTA operations, especially as the agency continues to face safety challenges. Just last month, the U.S. Transportation Department warned that up to 25% of federal transit funds for the MTA could be withheld if the agency failed to improve safety protections for track maintenance workers.
This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal agencies over funding and transit safety, with high stakes for New York’s public transportation system.