DOT seeks to block federal transit funds for jurisdictions aiding migrants

The Department of Transportation is drafting language to bar federal transit funds from being used by state and local governments that provide free transportation to unauthorized migrants, as part of the highway bill reauthorization. The proposal would apply to all Federal Transit Administration programs (buses, subways, ferries, etc.) and could extend to any free transit for migrants, aiming to prevent transit use to evade immigration enforcement. Supporters see it as enforcing federal law, while critics note enforcement details are unclear and some DOT staff question the need for the measure. The plan accompanies other proposals and comes as Congress must reauthorize surface transportation funding by fall.