The Trump administration is ratcheting up its legal battle with California. On Thursday, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit challenging state laws that let undocumented immigrants qualify for in-state tuition, scholarships, and subsidized loans at public universities.

The Federal Case Against California

The complaint, filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of California, names Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the governing bodies of the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges.

Attorney General Pam Bondi didn't mince words: "California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens."

She emphasized this is just the latest salvo, noting "This marks our third lawsuit against California in one week — we will continue bringing litigation against California until the state ceases its flagrant disregard for federal law."

A Week of Legal Challenges

The DOJ's other recent California lawsuits include a Monday filing over the state's 'No Secret Police Act' and 'No Vigilantes Act,' which the federal government claims endanger officers and unconstitutionally restrict law enforcement. Last week brought another suit alleging California's Proposition 50 congressional map violates the 14th Amendment.

What's Actually Being Challenged

The lawsuit specifically targets California laws requiring public universities to charge in-state tuition to all foreign nationals who maintain California residency, regardless of immigration status. The California Dream Act, which provides scholarships and subsidized loans to undocumented students, is also in the crosshairs.

Gov. Newsom, who has repeatedly clashed with President Donald Trump over policy differences, has yet to respond to this latest legal challenge.