The coalition seeks immediate court action to halt the implementation of these rules, restore previous practices, and protect access to services for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, community events continue with cultural activities like the release of Natalie Bergman's new album and efforts to raise monarch butterflies, reflecting the city's diverse interests.

The legal actions highlight ongoing tensions over immigration policies and federal funding, with Raoul involved in over 20 lawsuits addressing issues from gun regulations to election laws and public health funding.

The federal rules, issued by multiple U.S. departments, now require states to verify immigration status before providing services, marking a significant shift from previous practices under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Critics argue that these changes are unconstitutional and could harm families who depend on these programs, including legal residents, by improperly conditioning aid and violating established legal procedures.

Raoul's ongoing legal efforts reflect a broader resistance to federal policies perceived as harmful to social safety nets, with the lawsuit representing a significant legal battle over immigration and public benefits.

A coalition of attorneys general, including Illinois' Kwame Raoul, has filed a lawsuit to challenge recent federal orders that prohibit residents, regardless of immigration status, from accessing essential social programs such as Head Start, family planning, mental health services, and community health centers.

Announced on July 21, 2025, the lawsuit aims to block federal directives that restrict access based on immigration status, arguing these orders threaten vital services for families and legal residents.

This legal challenge is part of a broader effort by multiple states to oppose federal restrictions, with attorneys general from states like California, Arizona, and New York joining the suit.

In Illinois, these federal changes could lead to an annual loss of approximately $182.5 million in federal funding for mental health and substance use programs, impacting nearly 33,000 individuals.

Raoul and the coalition contend that the federal government improperly altered the interpretation of laws governing these programs without following proper procedures, violating the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution's spending clause.

The lawsuit also argues that the new rules unconstitutionally condition aid on immigration status and could harm families relying on these services, including citizens and legal residents.

Raoul emphasizes that these policies threaten to undermine crucial social services and jeopardize federal funding, which are vital for vulnerable populations.