New York files emergency motion to prevent Trump from cutting funding for counter-terrorism units on subway systems.

The New York State Attorney General’s office is preparing to challenge the Trump administration’s recent decision to cut over .8 million in funding for the protection of New York City’s subway system against potential terrorist threats. The case is set to be heard by a federal judge in Manhattan on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

In a legal filing made on Tuesday, Attorney General Tish James’ office initiated a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding in question is intended for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and is part of the Transit Security Grant Program, which was established in 2007 in response to the September 11 attacks. The program aims to provide critical security enhancements to New York’s transportation infrastructure to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive threats.

The funding cuts are reportedly linked to New York’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction that upholds laws protecting undocumented immigrants. These reductions are distinct from the Trump administration’s broader defunding of antiterrorism resources for the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

In her statement, James emphasized the urgency of this situation, citing the traumatic history of terrorist attacks in the city. The lawsuit requests a temporary restraining order to prevent the funding cuts from taking effect, arguing that withholding these funds compromises the safety of millions of daily subway riders, who represent a considerable proportion of commuters across the nation.

Despite President Trump’s earlier statements expressing concerns about subway safety, particularly the risks faced by women when using public transit, his administration has proceeded to eliminate 100 percent of federal funding allocated for the protection against terrorism in the subway system. The AG’s office criticized this move as politically motivated, lack of transparency, and potentially illegal.

The lawsuit contends that the cuts violate the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act, asserting that eligibility for the funding should be based solely on the risks of terrorist attacks, not influenced by immigration policy.

The overarching implications of these cuts extend beyond the subway system, impacting various funding avenues that collectively could amount to approximately 7 million in defunded antiterrorism programs for New York. This development has drawn the ire of Governor Kathy Hochul, who labeled the funding withdrawal “incredibly dangerous,” further urging federal authorities to reconsider decisions that could leave New York vulnerable at a time when national security is paramount.

This legal battle reflects ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration policies and funding decisions, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for security funding in New York and potentially beyond.

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.