In an April 2025 letter, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation reminded all DOT funding recipients — including state and local governments — that they must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, including prohibitions on race- and sex-based preferences, and must cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The letter warns that programs or policies tied to 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' goals may violate federal law, and that issuing driver's licenses to undocumented individuals or otherwise impeding ICE could constitute noncompliance. Recipients who fail to meet these obligations risk losing federal transportation funding, facing audits, or having grant agreements terminated.Open full document
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The U.S. Secretary of Transportation writes to all DOT funding recipients to clarify and reaffirm legal obligations under Federal law, including Equal Protection principles, anti-discrimination statutes, and immigration enforcement cooperation requirements. The letter warns that DEI programs presumptively violate Federal law and that recipients must cooperate with ICE and not impede Federal immigration enforcement. Noncompliance may result in loss of Federal funding, audits, or recovery of funds.