California Gov. Gavin Newsom (AP Photo)
The DOJ has brought similar lawsuits in several other states, including Minnesota. That case there was put on hold for weeks because of the government shutdown.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, an elected Democrat, has moved to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the DOJ is not properly reading the federal laws and that U.S. citizens do indeed have access to the same benefits as undocumented students.
Newsom has been hit with two other federal lawsuits this week, signaling an escalation in the Trump administration's scrutiny of the possible 2028 contender and the nation's most populous state.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stands during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Last week, the DOJ brought a complaint over California's newly passed ballot measure that clears the way for the state legislature to use a map that shifts five congressional districts in favor of Democrats. This week, it sued over the state's passage of legislation in September that banned immigration officials from wearing masks.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-sues-newsom-over-california-measure-giving-illegal-immigrants-college-tuition-benefits