New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin is taking a stand against what he calls an unlawful attempt by the federal government to place political conditions on funding intended for crime victims. Platkin, along with Attorneys General from California, Delaware, Illinois, and Rhode Island, is leading a coalition of 21 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s restrictions on Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants.
At stake are hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds that provide essential resources for survivors of violent crimes, including medical care, emergency housing, advocacy services, and even funeral expenses.
What’s at the Heart of the Lawsuit?
The dispute centers on the Department of Justice’s decision to condition VOCA funding on states’ cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Under this policy, states would need to assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with immigration enforcement in order to receive their share of VOCA funds.
Platkin argues that this is both illegal and unconstitutional, pointing out that Congress never authorized the DOJ to impose such conditions. Instead, Congress designed VOCA to provide guaranteed funding for states based on statutory formulas — with the clear purpose of supporting victims and survivors, not advancing immigration policy.
“Playing politics with the lives of people who have suffered so greatly is reckless, it is cruel, and in this case – it is illegal,” Platkin said in announcing the lawsuit.
Why VOCA Grants Matter in New Jersey and Nationwide
First enacted in 1984, VOCA has long been a cornerstone of crime victim support across the country. Funded largely by fines and penalties collected from federal criminal offenders, VOCA channels over a billion dollars annually to states for victim compensation and support programs.
These funds help nearly 9 million victims every year and cover:
- Victim and witness advocacy services
- Sexual assault forensic exams
- Domestic violence shelters
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical and mental health care
- Crime scene cleanup
In New Jersey alone, VOCA dollars sustain programs that directly impact survivors’ ability to recover, heal, and rebuild their lives. Cutting off this funding, Platkin warns, would create devastating gaps in services for the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Constitutional Questions: Federal Overreach?
The lawsuit argues that the DOJ’s conditions violate both separation of powers and federalism principles. Immigration enforcement, the coalition contends, is a federal responsibility — not one that can be outsourced to states by threatening to withhold unrelated funding.
By tying VOCA grants to immigration priorities, the DOJ is accused of overstepping its authority and undermining Congress’s intent. Platkin and his fellow Attorneys General are seeking a permanent injunction to block the enforcement of these conditions.
A Broad Coalition of States
This isn’t just New Jersey’s fight. Platkin is co-leading the effort with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.
They are joined by the Attorneys General of Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
The breadth of this coalition highlights just how important VOCA funding is nationwide — and how strongly states oppose what they view as a political intrusion into programs designed to protect victims.
What Comes Next?
The case will now move through the courts, with Platkin and his team — including New Jersey Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum and a dedicated staff of deputy and assistant attorneys general — preparing arguments to block the DOJ’s conditions.
If successful, the lawsuit will ensure that New Jersey and other states can continue to receive VOCA funds without being forced to redirect state resources toward federal immigration enforcement.
Why This Matters for New Jersey
At its core, this case is about protecting victims’ rights and ensuring that politics doesn’t interfere with life-saving support services. New Jersey leaders have framed it as both a legal and moral battle — one that affects not just budgets and institutions, but real people in their most vulnerable moments.
For ongoing coverage of how New Jersey is navigating this lawsuit and other major policy issues, visit Explore New Jersey Politics.
This legal fight could have lasting implications far beyond the courtroom. It’s about defining the limits of federal power, defending state autonomy, and safeguarding the resources that millions of crime victims rely on each year.
As Platkin emphasized, the goal is simple: to put victims first, protect the integrity of VOCA funding, and prevent federal overreach from undermining critical services in New Jersey and across the nation.
