A federal judge on Wednesday rejected New York City's bid for a fast ruling on the Trump administration's withdrawal of an $80 million grant that went to house and care for illegal migrants. 

The city sued President Donald Trump last month after the Federal Emergency Management Agency withdrew the $80 million grant from a city bank account. The Trump administration claimed that it was concerned about "illegal activity" within the city's program when it withdrew the funds.

Judge Jennifer Rearden denied the city's request for a preliminary injunction that instructed the federal government to give back the funds, and for a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from taking more migrant money from the city’s account.

Rearden indicated that there was no immediate need for her to take action, and that the case should play out in court naturally, meaning that the Trump administration could hold onto the funds in the meantime.

“The city has identified no irreparable harm,” Rearden said, according to Politico.

The ruling comes after Assistant Corporation Counsel Joshua Rubin, who represents the city, argued that the administration should be stopped from taking more money away from Manhattan, even though he could not cite a specific threat.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is challenging New York City Mayor Eric Adams for the post, said the ruling was not a big blow to the underlying case.

“It’s hard to argue the $80 million won’t be there when they’re ordered to give it back to us,” he said. "The argument is so open and shut. The Trump administration’s papers are riddled with lies and falsehoods, and the city’s papers are strong."

The city is arguing that the funds were granted by Congress and awarded by FEMA to serve migrants who were legally released into the country.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.