States unite against Trump administration demands for resident data, indefinite detention policies

California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined two multi-state coalitions last week, one opposing the Department of Justice’s (DHS) demands for resident data in Minnesota and another against the Department of Homeland Security’s “no bond” detention policy. 

Following a nearly month-long DHS operation in Minneapolis, Minn., U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, saying federal agents may be removed from the state in exchange for access to the state’s voter information, Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data as well as the dismantling of the state’s “sanctuary” policies.

“The Trump Administration went low, and now they're digging themselves even deeper. Their attempt to strong-arm Minnesota into turning over its residents’ data is both unprecedented and deeply troubling,” said Bonta in a statement. He went on to say, "It's extortion — and a violation of state sovereignty. I stand with attorneys general across the country against this Administration’s illegal efforts to threaten the safety, autonomy and well-being of more states and communities.”

The 21-state coalition, which includes the attorneys general of Arizona, New York, New Mexico and more, sent a joint letter to Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, claiming the administration is attempting to access sensitive voter information “through threats and coercion.”

By demanding the state turn over SNAP, Medicaid and voter information, the administration is therefore requesting voters’ social security numbers and driver license numbers, among other sensitive data. In their letter, the states say the purpose of these demands is based on “false rumors the Administration itself has perpetuated” that undocumented individuals are committing voter fraud.

The letter argues that the demands made of leaders in Minnesota conflict with ongoing litigation and court-ordered protections, as well posing a threat to other states who might be called on next to turn over resident data.

"Arizonan's data is not up for grabs. From voter rolls to SNAP information, Arizonan's private information is being protected by my office and full force of the law," said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes in a statement.

“We reject your attempt to justify to the American people the Administration’s unlawful actions in Minnesota by creating fear, distrust and division,” reads the letter.

“No Bond” policy

Bonta, alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James, also co-led a coalition in filing an amicus (support) brief opposing a federal policy that requires undocumented immigrants be indefinitely  detained without the opportunity for a bond hearing. 

The amicus brief was filed in the case ofRodriguez Vazquez v. Bostock, acase brought by a Washington state resident detained at the Northwest Detention Center. The case challenges the Tacoma Immigration Court’s policy of refusing to consider releases on bond for detained undocumented individuals.

The coalition argues such policy violates due process and Congressional intent. In a statement, Bonta called this policy an "unprecedented reinterpretation of immigration law.”

“The Trump Administration has carried out its inhumane immigration agenda by abducting, incarcerating and deporting members of our communities without regard for the rule of law,” said Bonta. “Its latest policy seeks to indefinitely detain immigrants in violation of their Constitutional right to due process. It’s inhumane and illegal, and I will continue to fight it in every way I can.”

For many years, existing policy allowed immigrants in removal proceedings to request a bond hearing and have a chance to argue for release while their case was pending. DHS has gone back on this policy, keeping individuals in indefinite detention. The coalition is asking the judge in the case to block the DHS from continuing indefinite detention.

Many detention facilities have been accused of being unsanitary, overcrowded, lacking medical attention and of providing food that has gone bad to its detainees.

The coalition argues that not only does this policy harm undocumented individuals and the millions of U.S. citizens related to them, but it also comes with a huge hit to taxpayers’ pockets.

In its letter, the coalition pointed to government data that showed immigration detention in 2024 cost taxpayers $3.4 billion, roughly $152 per detainee per day. DHS’ Alternatives to Detention program costs less than $4.20 a day.

Due to these figures, the coalition argues it would be economically and morally beneficial to reverse the policy.

“These individuals are valued and active contributors to communities and work forces,” reads the brief. “They are often the beloved spouses, parents and other close relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. They are valued employees and employers and critical sources of financial and emotional support for their families.”