CALIFORNIA – Attorney General Rob Bonta and 21 other attorneys general backed a class action lawsuit, July 2, challenging the Job Corps termination as unlawful in Cabrera et al. v. Department of Labor et al.

Job Corps is a national program providing job training and housing to low-income youth. 

In May, the U.S Department of Labor (DOL) announced a phased pause in operations at contractor-run Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30, 2025. The department said it was working with local partners to help students continue their training and find jobs.

Last week, a New York court sided with plaintiffs – joined by California – issuing a temporary order stopping the administration from closing Job Corps centers without Congressional approval.

The attorneys general also urged the court to issue a similar injunction in the Cabrera case.

Trump Administration cannot legally end programs mandated by Congress

Bonta says an injunction is essential to protect Job Corps and uphold the rule of law.

“Many of these program participants were unhoused or in foster care when they enrolled. Thousands of them rely on housing provided at Job Corps centers and have nowhere else to go, and state social service and housing providers do not have the capacity to meet a sudden influx of young people in need,” according to the court filing.

The brief notes that over 60 years, Job Corps has served millions of low-income youth with education, training, housing, healthcare and community.

Bonta’s office said the brief underscores that the Trump Administration cannot legally end programs mandated by Congress.

A copy of the amicus brief is available here.

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