U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a letter to all recipients of federal transportation funding reminding them that they must comply with federal laws to remain eligible for grants.

The letter provides that federal transportation funds are provided under a legally enforceable agreement that requires the recipient to adhere to federal laws. Secretary Duffy specifically directs recipients to comply with federal laws and policies to enforce immigration laws, end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, and protect free speech.

Duffy asserts that funding recipients must cooperate with federal authorities in the enforcement of federal law, including cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal offices and components of the Department of Homeland Security in the enforcement of federal immigration law. DOT has noted reported instances where some recipients of federal financial assistance have declined to cooperate with ICE investigations, have issued driver’s licenses to individuals present in the United States in violation of federal immigration law, or have otherwise acted in a manner that impedes federal law enforcement.