Attorney General Bonta Secures Temporary Court Order Blocking New Restrictions on Public Benefit Programs

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today secured a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from imposing cruel new restrictions on access to public benefit programs based on immigration status while litigation continues. Programs include Head Start, childcare services for low-income people, adult education, mental health and substance use disorder programs, and shelters for at-risk youth and domestic violence survivors, among others. After filing a lawsuit in July 2025, the California-led coalition had subsequently secured an agreement temporarily preventing the Trump Administration from implementing various agency notices significantly expanding federal public benefit ineligibility based on immigration status before today, September 10, 2025.

"With today's decision, vital education, nutrition, and health programs like Head Start - and the families who rely on their services - can breathe a sigh of relief," said Attorney General Bonta. "The Trump Administration continues to pull the rug out from under California families just trying to get by, but we're fighting back. We're grateful that a district court has put a stop to this cruel new directive while our litigation continues."

The decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ensures that millions of families can continue to access critical services without fear of denial or disruption while our litigation continues. With this ruling, the court acknowledges that the Trump Administration likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution by issuing sweeping new mandates without lawful rulemaking, grossly misreading the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, and failing to consider the devastating impacts on states and communities.

A copy of the court's order is available here.