Price of Defiance: Immigration, federal funds, and the limit of power

In a gripping exploration of modern American governance, The Price of Defiance unpacks one of the most consequential legal showdowns of our time-a fierce battle between twenty U.S. states and a powerful presidential administration over immigration enforcement, federal transportation funds, and constitutional boundaries.
At the heart of the conflict: a controversial attempt by the Trump administration to force state cooperation with federal immigration policy by threatening to withhold billions in transportation funding. What followed was a courtroom clash that tested the very framework of American federalism, culminating in a landmark ruling that reaffirmed the limits of executive power.
Through clear, compelling language and extensive research, this book takes readers inside the courtroom arguments, political tensions, and broader legal principles that defined the case. Each chapter illuminates key elements of the conflict-from state autonomy and judicial independence to the use of federal funding as political leverage.
Whether you're a student of law, a policymaker, or a concerned citizen, The Price of Defiance offers a powerful and timely reflection on how America balances authority, autonomy, and accountability.

Inside, you'll discover:
How 20 states fought to defend their right to refuse federal immigration demands
The legal reasoning behind Judge John McConnell's pivotal injunction
The broader implications for public funding, constitutional law, and executive overreach
Real-world impacts on immigrant communities, transportation systems, and public trust
What this case means for the future of federal-state relations in America

Rich with legal insight and political relevance, The Price of Defiance is not just a story about a court case-it's a warning, a guide, and a reminder of what's at stake when the balance of power is pushed to the brink.