New York state and city governments have allocated approximately $600 million in taxpayer funds to organizations actively working against federal immigration enforcement efforts, including those led by President Trump's administration.
According to a New York Post review, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide legal assistance and other services to illegal immigrants have received substantial funding from New York City and state governments over many years. These organizations have been openly critical of federal immigration policies while receiving hundreds of millions in public funding.
The investigation reveals a pattern of financial support for groups that actively oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and promote sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Many of these organizations publicly declare their opposition to federal immigration enforcement while simultaneously receiving taxpayer dollars.
The Bronx Defenders stands out as the largest recipient, having collected over $500 million from New York City since 2009 along with an additional $32 million through various state contracts. This organization provides legal representation and other services to immigrants facing deportation proceedings while actively advocating against federal immigration enforcement operations.
Make the Road NY has secured approximately $56 million in taxpayer funds to provide legal and health services to undocumented immigrants throughout New York. The organization has been vocal in its opposition to immigration enforcement actions and has organized numerous protests against federal policies.
New York Lawyers for the Public Interest received $19 million to support their immigration advocacy work. This funding allows the organization to provide legal representation to immigrants facing deportation and challenge enforcement actions in court.
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) received $46 million in taxpayer funds while actively opposing federal immigration enforcement efforts. NYIC executive director Murad Awadeh publicly stated that "New York City should not be in the business of carrying out Donald Trump's mass disappearance agenda, which is in fact illegal under our local laws."
This assertion contradicts established legal precedent as federal immigration laws supersede local ordinances and policies under the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause. The statement represents the open defiance many of these organizations display toward federal immigration authorities.
The organizations regularly use social media platforms to criticize federal immigration policies and enforcement actions. Many advocate for expanded sanctuary protections that would further restrict cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.
Bronx Defenders has reportedly used some of its government funding to lobby for additional sanctuary laws in New York. This creates a scenario where taxpayer dollars fund organizations that then use those resources to advocate for policies that may contradict federal law.
The organization publicly pushed for passage of specific legislation on social media, writing on June 11: "State leaders are not powerless against the federal administration's mass deportation agenda. We have a couple ideas: pass New York For All and Dignity Not Detention now, before it's too late."
This direct lobbying for specific legislation while receiving substantial government funding raises questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer resources. Critics argue this creates a self-perpetuating cycle where public funds support organizations that advocate for policies benefiting those same organizations.
The situation in New York reflects a broader pattern observed in Democratic-led states across the country. Many blue states direct substantial taxpayer resources to organizations that actively oppose federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Similar funding arrangements exist in California, Illinois, Massachusetts and other states with sanctuary policies. These states collectively spend billions supporting organizations that provide services to undocumented immigrants and advocate against federal enforcement.
The Trump administration previously addressed related concerns at the federal level by restructuring or eliminating certain funding streams. The administration shut down portions of USAID partly due to concerns about funding organizations working against American interests or undermining federal policies.
