Attorney General Bonta Wins Temporary block on Trump Administration Public Benefit Restrictions
OAKLAND, CA – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a important victory in the ongoing legal battle against new restrictions on access to public benefit programs. A U.S. District Court in Rhode Island has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from implementing policies that would limit eligibility for critical services based on immigration status.The ruling safeguards access to programs like Head Start, childcare assistance for low-income families, adult education, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and shelters for vulnerable populations, including at-risk youth and domestic violence survivors. This action follows a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bonta and a coalition of states in July 2025, and builds upon a temporary agreement previously secured to pause implementation of the restrictive agency notices.
“With today’s decision, vital education, nutrition, and health programs – and the families who rely on them – can breathe a sigh of relief,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration attempted to undermine the stability of California families, but we are fighting back. we are grateful the court has halted this harmful directive while our litigation proceeds.”
The court’s decision recognizes that the Trump Administration likely overstepped its authority by issuing broad new mandates without following proper legal procedures, misinterpreting the Personal Duty and Work Opportunity Act, and failing to adequately assess the negative consequences for states and communities. The injunction ensures millions of families can continue receiving essential services without fear of interruption during the course of the litigation.
A copy of the court order is available here.
