Search ▸ Agenda item attachment
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
1
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
King County v.
Turner
25-3664
(9th Cir.);
25-cv-00814
(W.D. Wash.)
The City of Cambridge is a plaintiff in this case.
Plaintiffs sued Secretary of Transportation, HUD, Secretary of HHS, and HHS for
imposing conditions on grants to local governments, including HUD Continuum of
Care and DOT grants. The conditions include prohibitions on DEI, "gender
ideology," "elective abortions," and aid to immigrants. The imposed conditions
threaten over $12 billion dollars in federal funding. Local governments argue that
in imposing conditions on grants, the federal government violates the separation
of powers, Spending Clause, the Tenth Amendment, the Due Process Clause
(Vagueness), and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
Preliminary Injunction entered in favor of local governments on June 3, 2025. The Preliminary
Injunction Order has allowed the City to enter into grant agreements with HUD for the Continuum of
Care grant funds. Federal government appealed. Appeal pending and the Appeals Court to hear
argument on February 9, 2026.
A Motion for Preliminary Injunction, asking the Court to order that the conditions do not apply to
additional grants, such as CDBG grants, was granted on August 12, 2025. Federal government
appealed the August 12 order. On November 12, 2025, the District Court allowed plaintiffs to amend
the complaint a third time to add 15 new local governmental entities. A further motion for preliminary
injunction was granted by the District Court, on January 21, 2026, extending relief to further local
governmental entities.
San Francisco v.
Trump
25-3889
(9th Cir.)
25-cv- 01350
(N.D. Cal.)
The City of Cambridge is a plaintiff in this case.
Lawsuit to enjoin enforcement of President Trump’s initial Sanctuary Jurisdiction
Executive Order (EO). Plaintiffs argue the EO violates the Tenth Amendment,
Separation of Powers, Spending Clause, and Due Process Clause.
Preliminary Injunction entered in favor of local governments, ordering that the Federal Government
cannot enforce the Sanctuary Jurisdiction EO. Federal Government Appealed. Appeal oral argument
scheduled for December 5, 2025.
Second Amended Complaint (SAC) filed that added Cambridge as a plaintiff. Federal government
moved to dismiss the SAC. On January 20, 2026, the District Court denied the motion to dismiss the
SAC.
Plaintiffs filed a second Motion for Preliminary Injunction asking the Court to prevent the Federal
Government from enforcing Sanctuary Jurisdiction EOs against all of the Plaintiffs, including
Cambridge. The Court allowed the motion.
NAEH v. HUD
25-cv-00636
(D.R.I.)
The City of Cambridge is a plaintiff in this case. This case is similar to State of
Washington v. HUD (see below) but extends the litigation from the state level
to local nonprofits and governments.
Multiple nonprofits and local governments, including Cambridge, are challenging
HUD’s changes to the Continuum of Care grant program, which has provided
funds to local governments and organizations to fund permanent housing for
vulnerable populations. The plaintiffs argue that reversing previous HUD Housing
First policy and the imposition of unlawful conditions violates the APA, the
Separation of Powers, the Spending Clause, and the First Amendment. The
plaintiffs are requesting that the Court order HUD to grant CoC funds on the same
basis it did in the last fiscal year, and to strike the unlawful conditions.
Plaintiff nonprofits and local governments filed a motion for preliminary injunction, which was
granted on December 19, 2025. An order expediting summary judgment was also granted by the
Court. An amended complaint and motion for summary judgment were filed by plaintiffs on January
14, 2026. On January 23, 2026, the federal government filed a cross motion for summary judgment
and opposition to NAEH’s motion for summary judgment. Summary judgment briefing continues. No
argument date set yet.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
2
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
California v.
United States DOT
26-1026
(1st Cir.)
25-cv-00208
(D.R.I.)
An order in this case applies to the City of Cambridge.
States challenge an April 24, 2025, letter issued by Secretary Duffy, requiring
recipients of DOT grants to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The
letter does not define what constitutes “cooperation.” States allege that the
conditions are beyond DOT’s authority.
On November 4, 2025, District Court entered summary judgment for the plaintiff states holding that
immigration enforcement conditions (IEC) imposed by the Department of Transportation in exchange for
federal funding are unlawful. The Court wrote, “The IEC is declared unlawful and ordered vacated from all
grant agreements administered by [USDOT]. [USDOT is] permanently enjoined from implementing or
enforcing the IEC against the States, or otherwise attempting to condition federal transportation funding
on State cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.” The District Court subsequently
clarified that its permanent injunction order extends to all plaintiff states and local subdivisions within
those states, which includes Cambridge. Federal government appealed to 1st Cir. The appeal was
dismissed on January 21, 2026, after the federal government filed an assented-to motion to dismiss the
case.
State of New
York v. U.S.
Department of
Justice
(PWORA case)
25-2099
(1st Cir.)
25-cv-00345
(D.R.I.)
An order in this case applies to the City of Cambridge.
States challenged the revocation of various exemptions under the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA).
PRWORA is part of the federal welfare system and governs the eligibility of
noncitizens for public benefits. Several federal agencies issued new requirements
requiring recipients of federal funding to be checked for immigration status. This
has meant that many undocumented immigrants who previously had access to
certain federal benefits under the agency exemptions are no longer exempted.
This also means that states administering federal benefit programs are now
required to implement verification schemes to verify the status of benefit
recipients, even if the programs previously did not require such verification.
On July 30, the federal defendants stipulated they would not enforce the challenged notices against the
plaintiff states until September 10, 2025. The federal defendants also stipulated that they would not
enforce the notices based on conduct occurring in the plaintiff States prior to September 11, 2025; funds
expended in the plaintiff States prior to September 11, 2025; or any other actions taken in reliance on this
Stipulation prior to September 11, 2025. Since Massachusetts is a plaintiff, this applies to Cambridge. On
September 10, 2025, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction, which applies to
Cambridge. On September 23, 2025, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. Defendants moved to stay the
case because of the Federal shutdown. The District Court denied the request. An appeal of the
preliminary injunction ruling was filed on November 7, 2025. On December 11, 2025, the appeal was
voluntarily dismissed pursuant to a joint stipulation.
On December 4, 2025, the plaintiff states filed a third amended complaint. On December 8, 2025, a
stipulation was filed wherein the federal defendants consented to the third amended complaint and
agreed to stay enforcement and application of the HUD PRWORA Notice until judgment issues. Summary
judgment briefing is scheduled to end on April 17, 2026.
City of Chicago v.
Noem
25-cv-12765
(N.D. Ill.)
The City of Boston is a plaintiff in this case. Also, Cambridge, as part of
“Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Funded Urban Area,” receives UASI
funds that are at issue in the case.
Chicago, Boston, and other cities allege that DHS and FEMA are violating
separation of powers principles, taking action not authorized by Congress,
violating Congress’ power of the purse, and violating the APA because they are
compelling compliance with anti-DEI requirements as part of their terms and
conditions for local governments, like the City of Cambridge, to receive funding for
programs supporting mitigation and prevention of natural disasters, terrorist
attacks, mass shootings, and other complex emergencies.
Complaint filed on October 20, 2025. Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction on October
24, 2025. On November 21, 2025, the District Court entered a preliminary injunction. In doing so, the
court found that the federal government likely violated the APA. On January 20, 2026, the federal
government filed a notice appealing the preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint
on January 21, 2026.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
3
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
R.I. State Council
of Churches v.
Rollins
25A539
(Supreme Court)
25-2089
(1st Cir.)
25-cv-00569
(D.R.I.)
Similar case to MA v. USDA (see below) but extends the litigation beyond
individual states to the whole nation.
A coalition of local governments, charitable, legal, and faith-based nonprofit
organizations, small businesses, and workers’ rights organizations argue the
federal government violated the APA and federal appropriations law when it
ignored congressional mandate to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) benefits and revoked work requirement waivers in localities with
persistent unemployment.
On October 31, 2025, the District Court granted a TRO and ordered the federal government to pay full
SNAP benefits by November 3, 2025, or partial payments by November 5, 2025. On November 3,
USDA stated it “will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds,” but it
will not use other funds to provide full SNAP payments for November 2025. On November 6, the
District Court held the federal government did not comply with its October 31 order and ordered full
November SNAP payments by November 7. On November 9, the 1st Cir. upheld the District Court
order enforcing the October 31 TRO. The Supreme Court extended an administrative stay of the TRO
through November 13, 2025, and the federal government indicated its intent to continue to pursue a
stay of the District Court’s orders from the Supreme Court. On November 13, 2025, the federal
government withdrew its November 7 stay application to the Supreme Court on mootness grounds.
On December 4, 2025, upon the federal government’s motion, judgment dismissing the 1st Circuit
appeal was entered. Summary judgment briefing ends on or about February 27, 2026.
Newsom v. Trump 25-3727;
25-5553
(9th Cir.);
25-cv-04870
(N.D. CA)
The City of Cambridge joined amicus briefs in the District Court and in the
Appellate Court.
California seeks order prohibiting the Department of Defense from federalizing the
CA National Guard and deploying it to conduct domestic law enforcement without
meeting statutory requirements.
U.S. District Court ruled that federal deployment of CA National Guard was illegal and violated the 10th
amendment. On June 15, 2025, the City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief arguing that the 9th Circuit
should not stay the District Court’s ordered temporary relief. On June 19, 2025, the Ninth Circuit stayed the
lower court order pending appeal. On October 7, 2025, California requested the Ninth Circuit vacate the
June 19th order or grant a motion for an injunction pending appeal.
After a three-day bench trial, on September 2, 2025, the District Court ruled that the federal government
violated the Posse Comitatus Act when it unlawfully deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles for
immigration enforcement operations. The District Court’s ruling was meant to bar “deploying, ordering,
instructing, training, or using the National Guard currently deployed in California, and any military troops
heretofore deployed in California, to execute the laws, including but not limited to engaging in arrests,
apprehensions, searches, seizures, security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, riot control, evidence
collection, interrogation, or acting as informants.”
On September 2, 2025, plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction to enjoin an August 5, 2025 order
federalizing and deploying 300 members of California’s National Guard for ninety days and to return control
of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom. On September 4, 2025, the 9th Cir. stayed this order
pending an appeal by the federal government. Oral argument before a panel of the 9th Cir. took place on
October 22, 2025. That same day, a judge of the court requested a vote to rehear the case en banc. That
vote failed.
On October 29, 2025, the 9th Circuit ruled that the District Court retains jurisdiction over the plaintiffs’
challenge to the August 5 order. On November 4, 2025, the District Court lifted its stay of proceedings
related to plaintiffs’ motion to enjoin the August 5 order and set an expedited briefing schedule. A hearing
took place on December 5, 2025, on the plaintiffs’ renewed motion for preliminary injunction. A motion to
dismiss the complaint was filed that same day by the federal government.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
4
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
On December 10, 2025, the District Court issued an order enjoining deployment of the CA Nat’l. Guard in
Los Angeles and directed return of control of the CA Nat’l. Guard to Gov. Newsome. The federal government
appealed this order.
After the Supreme Court issued its decision in the related Illinois case, the federal government
announced the withdrawal of troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
On January 12, 2026, the 9th Cir. entered an order holding in abeyance the appeal docketed as No. 25-
5553 pending resolution of related appeals. On January 16, 2026, the District Court stayed further briefing
related to the federal government’s motion to dismiss the lower court case until further order of the Court
or until the 9th Cir. resolves appeals in related cases. On January 23, 2026, the federal government
moved to dismiss the appeal docketed as No. 25-3727.
Commonwealth of
MA v. National
Institutes of
Health, et al, and
other associated
cases
25-1343
(1st Cir.);
25-cv-10338
(D. Mass.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
MA argues that cap of 15% reimbursement for all new grants, regardless of the
indirect cost needs of the institution, violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
U.S. District Court issued a final judgment enjoining federal government’s 15% cap on reimbursement
for all new grants. Federal government appealed. On January 5, 2026, the Appeals Court affirmed the
lower court judgment.
United States v.
City of Rochester
25-cv-06226
(W.D.N.Y.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
Federal government sued Rochester seeking injunctive relief holding that
sanctuary policies violate the Supremacy Clause.
Cross motions for judgment on the pleadings filed by both parties. Amicus brief, in which Cambridge
joined, filed on August 28, 2025. Case dismissed, without prejudice, as moot. Federal government
filed an amended complaint on December 19, 2025. Motion to dismiss the amended complaint filed
on January 30, 2026.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
5
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
State of Oregon v.
Trump
25-7194
25-6268
(9th Cir.)
25-cv-01756
(D. Ore.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case in the 9th Circuit.
Oregon seeks an order prohibiting the federal government from federalizing
National Guard troops and deploying them to conduct domestic law enforcement
without meeting statutory requirements and in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
District Court granted two temporary restraining orders (TRO), expiring on October 18 and 19, 2025,
enjoining federal government from deploying federalized National Guard troops in or to Oregon. A
panel of the 9th Cir. stayed the first TRO, allowing the President to continue federalizing national guard
troops. The en banc 9th Cir. then stayed the panel decision through October 28, 2025. The 9th Cir. will
rehear the matter en banc. On November 3, 2025, the federal government moved to dismiss the
appeal. The appeals were consolidated. The District Court’s November 7, 2025, permanent injunction
was administratively stayed, pending further court order, to the extent it enjoins the federalization of
the Oregon National Guard. On January 5, 2026, the District Court entered an order staying any
remaining claims until the 9th Cir. resolves Defendants' consolidated appeals or until further order. On
January 8, 2026, the 9th Cir. entered an order vacating its administrative stay.
After a bench trial on the preliminary injunction and merits of the case, the District Court held and
ordered that President Trump’s order to deploy the National Guard to Portland was unlawful and
unconstitutional and the federal government is permanently enjoined from deploying members of any
state’s National Guard to Oregon based on the facts for which deployment was ordered in this case.
Federal government appealed. Oral argument is scheduled for the week of June 1, 2026.
After the Supreme Court issued its decision in the related Illinois case, the federal government
announced the withdrawal of troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
State of Illinois v.
Trump
25A443
(Supreme Court)
25-2798
(7th Cir.)
25-cv-12174
(N.D. Ill.)
The City of Cambridge joined amicus filings in this case in the 7th Circuit and
the Supreme Court.
Illinois seeks an order halting the illegal and unconstitutional federalization and
deployment of members of the National Guard of the United States, including
both the Illinois and Texas National Guard.
District Court granted temporary restraining order (TRO), expiring on October 23, 2025, enjoining
federal government from federalizing and deploying National Guard troops within Illinois. Federal
government appealed. Appeal pending. The Appeals Court, pending further argument, entered an order
allowing federalized National Guard troops deployed to Illinois to remain in the state, but those troops
may not be deployed for purposes of law enforcement. On October 23, 2025, upon agreement by the
parties, the District Court entered an order extending the TRO until final judgment on the merits is
entered in the case.
The Supreme Court directed the parties to brief the following question: “Whether the term ‘regular
forces’ refers to the regular forces of the United States military, and, if so, how that interpretation affects
the operation of 10 U. S. C. §12406(3).” After briefing, on December 23, 2025, the Supreme Court denied
the federal government’s request to stay the district court order preventing federalization and
deployment of the National Guard within Illinois. Subsequently, on January 14, 2026, the parties
represented to the District Court that they are engaged in settlement negotiations, and a joint stipulation
to dismiss the appeal in the 7th Circuit was filed on January 21, 2026. On January 22, 2026, the appeal
was dismissed. As part of the dismissal, the partial stay of the District Court’s October, 9, 2025 order
was vacated to the extent it enjoined the federalization of the National Guard within Illinois.
After the Supreme Court issued its decision, the federal government announced the withdrawal of
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
6
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.
United States v.
City of Newark
25-cv-05081
(D. N.J.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
Federal government alleges local governments and officials violated the
Supremacy Clause because sanctuary laws conflict with federal law, local laws
unlawfully regulate the federal government, and local laws discriminate against
the federal government by marking out federal immigration authorities for
disfavored treatment. The federal government seeks declaratory and injunctive
relief.
Defendant local governments moved to dismiss. No argument date yet.
Federal government moved to stay this case due to the federal government shutdown. District Court of
N.J. denied the request because the federal government’s claimed allegations of a grave national
emergency at the “Southern Border” warrant “this action proceeding in its ordinary course.”
Lujan v. FMCSA
25-cv-1215
(D.C. Cir.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
Suit was filed contesting an interim final rule issued by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA's rule bars asylum seekers, refugees, and
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients with work authorization
from holding non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses.
As of November 13, 2025, FMCSA’s rule is stayed because rule likely improperly issued, was issued
without notice and comment, FMCSA acted arbitrarily and capriciously, individual drivers/businesses
would be irreparably harmed, and rule would more likely act to harm the public then protect it from a
public safety standpoint. The City of Cambridge has also joined other local governments in submitting
comments to the FMCSA on its decision to severely narrow the ability for non-citizens to obtain
commercial driver’s licenses. The case was ordered to be held in abeyance.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
7
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
National TPS
Alliance v. Noem
25-5724
(9th Cir.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
An appeal of a summary judgment order vacating the federal government’s
vacatur and termination of TPS for Venezuela and vacatur of TPS for Haiti.
The amicus brief Cambridge joined was filed on November 12, 2025. On January 28, 2026, a panel of
the 9th Cir. ruled that the federal government violated the Immigration and Nationality Act and “[t]he
[DHS] Secretary’s actions fundamentally contradict Congress’s statutory design, and her assertion of
a raw, unchecked power to vacate a country’s TPS is irreconcilable with the plain language of the
statute.” On February 3, 2026, the federal government petitioned for rehearing en banc.
In the underlying case, National TPS Alliance v. Noem, 25-cv-01766 (N.D. CA), the District Court
granted on December 10, 2025, Plaintiffs’ motion for declaratory relief, finding the vacatur of the
January 17, 2025 extension of Venezuela’s TPS designation and the termination of the 2023 TPS
designation of Venezuela unlawful. This case also involves the TPS designation impacting Haiti. The
federal government separately appealed this order on January 8, 2026. That appeal is docketed as 26-
187 (9th Cir.).
Noem v. National
TPS Alliance
25-4901
(9th Cir.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
An appeal of an order postponing the effective date of the federal government’s
vacatur of TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua.
In the underlying district court case, NTPSA v. Noem, 25-cv-05687 (N.D. CA), an order was entered, on
July 31, 2025, continuing TPS for 60,000 individuals from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. The federal
government appealed that order and, on August 20, 2025, a three-judge panel of the 9th Cir. granted
the federal government’s request to stay, pending appeal, the district court order continuing TPS for
those individuals.
Briefs addressing the overall propriety of the lower court case were later filed by the parties and amici.
Argument has not been scheduled. However, during the appeal the district court case continued to
proceed, and on December 31, 2025, the district court entered an order that in part granted summary
judgment for NTPSA on two of the APA claims. On January 8, 2026, the federal government appealed
that ruling to the 9th Cir.
United States v.
City of Boston
25-cv-12456
(D. Mass.)
The City of Boston is a defendant in this case, and the City of Cambridge
joined an amicus brief in this case.
Federal government sued Boston seeking injunctive relief holding that sanctuary
policies violate the Supremacy Clause.
On November 17, 2025, Boston filed a motion to dismiss, and the City of Cambridge joined an amicus
brief filed in the U.S. District Court in support of Boston. Federal government filed its opposition brief
on January 7, 2026. Briefing continues on the motion to dismiss.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
8
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
United States v.
New York City
25-cv-04084
(E.D.N.Y.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
Federal government alleges local government violated the Supremacy Clause
because sanctuary laws conflict with federal law. The federal government seeks
declaratory and injunctive relief.
Defendant local government moved to dismiss. No argument date yet.
Watson v.
Republican Nat’l.
Committee
24-1260
(Supreme Court)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
Local election officials nationwide oppose a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision
invalidating post-Election Day ballot receipt deadlines and counting procedures,
which would make the processing of provisional ballots, absentee ballots, and
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) ballots
impossible. This is an argument regarding whether federal law preempts state
laws.
Argument set for March 23, 2026.
State of
Minnesota, et al. v.
Noem, et al.
26-cv-00190
(D. Minn.)
The City of Cambridge joined an amicus brief in this case.
Lawsuit to enjoin the unwanted federal law enforcement “surge” in Minnesota.
Plaintiffs argue the “surge” violates the Tenth Amendment, Equal Sovereignty, and
Administrative Procedures Act; is unconstitutional retaliation and viewpoint
discrimination in violation of the First Amendment; and constitutes ultra vires executive
action.
The State of Illinois and City of Chicago, on January 12, 2026, filed a similar suit.
26-cv-321 (N.D. Ill.).
District Court converted plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to a motion for
preliminary injunction (PI). The District Court held that Minnesota did not meet its burden of showing
that the Tenth Amendment (anticommandeering) and/or Equal Sovereignty require the grant of a
preliminary injunction halting a federal law enforcement operation.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
9
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
President and
Fellows of Harvard
College v. DHS, et
al.
25-1627
(1st Cir.)
25-cv-11472
(D. Mass.)
The City of Cambridge filed an amicus brief in this case.
Harvard contests federal government’s revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign
students and otherwise prevent foreign students from enrolling at Harvard.
U.S. District Court entered order enjoining federal government from “implementing, instituting,
maintaining, or giving any force or effect” to the federal government’s revocation of Harvard’s ability to
enroll foreign students. Court likewise enjoined presidential proclamation barring foreign students destined
for Harvard. Federal government appealed. Appeal pending regarding injunction. Cambridge’s brief in
support of Harvard filed on January 16, 2026.
President and
Fellows of Harvard
College v. HHS, et
al.
25-2230
(1st Cir.)
25-cv-11048
(D. Mass.)
Harvard case.
Harvard contests federal government’s withdrawal of federal funding. Harvard argues
that the federal government did not take necessary steps to cancel federal funds.
On September 3, 2025, the District Court ruled that the federal government violated the Constitution, Title
VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and the APA when it froze more than $2.6 billion in Harvard research funding.
The ruling vacated the freeze orders and termination notices Harvard received from the federal government
and permanently enjoined reimposition of unconstitutional conditions on funding. Final judgment entered
on October 20, 2025. Federal government appealed the judgment on December 18, 2025. Briefing to
conclude in late April/early May.
United States v.
Illinois, Cook
County, &
Chicago
25-cv-01285
(N.D. Ill.)
Case concerns a similar Welcoming Community Ordinance.
Federal government sued Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago seeking declaratory
and injunctive relief holding that sanctuary policies violate the Supremacy Clause.
On July 25th, the District Court dismissed the case and upheld the sanctuary policies, including
Chicago’s Welcoming Community Ordinance. Local government decisions not to participate in
immigration enforcement are protected by the Tenth Amendment and not preempted by federal law.
The federal government had until August 22, 2025, to amend its complaint. No amended complaint
was filed. The case was dismissed with prejudice on August 26, 2025. On October 24, 2025, the
federal government filed a notice of appeal.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
10
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
City of Chicago v.
United States
Department of
Homeland
Security
25-cv-05462
(N.D. Ill.)
The City of Boston is a plaintiff in this case.
Lawsuit seeks to enjoin federal government from freezing funding under the
Securing Cities counterterrorism program (STC) and to require the federal
government to process pending and future reimbursement requests pursuant to
law. The complaint alleges that DHS is violating the separation of powers, that its
actions are ultra vires, and that it is violating the APA.
No significant Court orders in this case. Summary judgment papers to be filed between April 15 and
July 2, 2026.
City of Chelsea v.
Trump
25-cv-10442
(D. Mass.)
The Cities of Chelsa and Somerville are plaintiffs in this case.
Lawsuit challenges Protecting the American People from Invasion EO and other
executive actions related to withholding of federal funds based on immigration
policy. The plaintiffs seek to enjoin the federal government from withholding
federal funds based on sanctuary policies.
Somerville and Chelsea filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction. On October 2, 2025, the District
Court denied the Motion for Preliminary Injunction holding that the cities failed to demonstrate they
would suffer imminent and irreparable harm without injunctive relief. On December 18, 2025,
Somerville and Chelsea filed a second amended complaint.
Vasquez-
Perdomo v. Noem
25A169
(Supreme Court)
25-4312
(9th Cir.);
25-cv-05605
The City of Boston has filed an amicus brief in this case.
Lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to enjoin ICE and CBP from engaging
in unconstitutional and unlawful stops of Los Angeles residents during
immigration sweeps. Plaintiffs allege ICE and CBP have a policy and practice of
engaging in unconstitutional stops not based on reasonable, individualized
suspicion of unlawful presence, but instead based on racial profiling.
District Court granted temporary restraining order, in favor of plaintiffs, regarding unlawful stops and
access to counsel. The parties are briefing preliminary injunction and class certification in the District
Court. On September 8, 2025, using its Emergency Docket, the Supreme Court entered a stay
enjoining the temporary restraining order halting the federal government from “stopping individuals
based solely on four factors: (1) their apparent race or ethnicity; (2) whether they spoke Spanish or
English with an accent; (3) the type of location at which they were found (such as a car wash or bus
stop); and (4) the type of job they appeared to work.” This means the federal government may continue
to rely on these four factors alone to stop and seize individuals. Importantly, Justice Kavanaugh
indicated in his concurring opinion that if the case eventually reaches the Supreme Court, then the
Supreme Court will likely reverse any permanent injunctive relief similar to the temporary relief the
District Court previously ordered.
Case returned to lower courts for further proceedings. On October 21, 2025, the 9th Cir. remanded the
appeal, in part, to allow the district court to dissolve the Fourth Amendment TRO. Discovery
proceeding in case.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
11
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
Massachusetts v.
USDA
25-cv-13165
(D. Mass.)
Similar case to R.I. State Council of Churches v. Rollins (see above).
Massachusetts is the lead plaintiff in this case.
Multiple states argue that the federal government’s decision not to use available
contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits violates the APA. The states are suing to
force the USDA to use available contingency funds for the November SNAP
benefits.
The District Court heard arguments, on October 30, 2025, on whether to issue a temporary restraining
order (TRO) forcing the USDA to fund November SNAP benefits. The Court issued a ruling stating that
the federal government’s “suspension of SNAP benefits is contrary to law.” The court’s TRO is in force
pending further order of the court. The parties went through extensive motion practice regarding
whether full or reduced SNAP benefits will issue for November and funding therefore. This litigation is
impacted by contemporaneous rulings in R.I. State Council of Churches v. Rollins.
State of
Washington v.
HUD
25-cv-00626
(D.R.I.)
Similar case to NAEH v. HUD (see above). The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts is a plaintiff in this case.
Multiple states, including Massachusetts, are challenging HUD’s changes to the
Continuum of Care grant program, which has provided funds to local governments
and organizations to fund permanent housing for vulnerable populations. The
plaintiffs argue that reversing previous HUD Housing First policy and the
imposition of unlawful conditions violates the APA, the Separation of Powers, the
Spending Clause, and the Tenth Amendment. The plaintiffs are requesting that the
Court order HUD to grant CoC funds on the same basis it did in the last fiscal year,
and to strike the unlawful conditions.
Plaintiff states filed a motion for preliminary injunction. On December 11, 2025, plaintiff states filed an
amended complaint adding New Mexico as a plaintiff and new allegations related to the federal
government’s withdrawal of the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity. The motion for preliminary
injunction was granted on December 19, 2025. An amended complaint and motion for summary
judgment were filed by plaintiffs on January 14, 2026. Summary judgment briefing continues.
United States v.
California
25-cv-10999
(C.D. California)
Case concerns state laws regulating permissible uniforms for federal agents.
Federal government argues that under the Supremacy Clause the States have no
power to regulate “the operations of” the federal government – in this case how
federal agents may dress and address the public.
Hearing held January 14, 2026 on federal government’s motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin
enforcement of state laws. Matter under advisement.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
Lawsuits Challenging Federal Actions that Involve the City, or of Special Interest to the City – February 9, 2026 Update
12
Lawsuit Name
Case No. / Case
Citation
Summary of Lawsuit
Status
RICADV v.
Kennedy
25-2229
(1st Cir.)
25-cv-00342
(D.R.I.)
Case concerns non-profit coalition challenge to federal executive orders.
Plaintiff nonprofit organizations challenge grant conditions as arbitrary, in excess
of statutory authority, and unconstitutional where they seek to impose restrictions
on DEI, gender ideology, and abortion.
A preliminary injunction blocks HHS and HUD from enforcing new grant conditions nationwide while
the litigation is ongoing. The court determined that the federal government’s actions were arbitrary,
exceeded statutory authority, and were likely unconstitutional. The injunction preserves previous grant
terms and prevents the imposition of challenged restrictions imposed by executive orders 14168,
14169, and 14182. This PI applies to HUD grant programs where the conditions were imposed -
including CDBG, HOME, ESG, Continuum of Care, and HOPWA. On December 22, 2025, the federal
government appealed the preliminary injunction order. On January 6, 2026, an order entered
voluntarily dismissing the federal government’s appeal.