Justice Department Sues Four States Over License Plate Policy
The Justice Department initiated legal action on Wednesday against Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington. The suit claims these states are breaching the Constitution by denying confidential license plates to federal law enforcement while continuing to issue them to state and local agencies.
This lawsuit zeroes in on a state policy that the DOJ argues permits local law enforcement to access these confidential plates while excluding federal employees, including those from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The DOJ noted that the legal action followed the refusal of these states to change their policies. A letter sent on May 12 mentioned potential illegality, labeling the existing policy as “unconstitutional” and expressing concern that it jeopardizes federal employees’ safety during what it termed a “wave of targeted harassment.”
Without the availability of confidential license plates, the DOJ warned that “dangerous individuals” might more easily track or evade law enforcement, suggesting there was no legitimate reason for states to withhold these plates from federal agents.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized, “The Department of Justice will utilize all legal avenues to support the dedicated men and women in law enforcement. These officers risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of Americans, and they must be able to effectively fulfill their duties.” He criticized the governors for enabling discriminatory practices against federal law enforcement, which he claims facilitates the escape of criminals and endangers society.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate reaffirmed the DOJ’s commitment to defending law enforcement operations against these unconstitutional state policies.
In a May 12 communication to Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Shumate elaborated on the dangers that arise when federal vehicles are easily identifiable via official plates or public registration. He stated that federal agents handle serious cases, including drug and human trafficking, terrorism, and fraud, which often necessitate covert operations.
Shumate pointed out that identifiable vehicles could endanger not just the officers but also their families and individuals under federal protection. He warned that agents could be tracked home, while suspects might flee or attempt to obstruct justice.
Additionally, Shumate contended that Washington’s approach violates the Supremacy Clause by treating DHS components differently than local law enforcement. He urged the state to resume issuing confidential plates to federal agencies equally as they do for local law enforcement.
The Justice Department indicated that these lawsuits are part of a broader trend of cases aimed at policies that hinder federal law enforcement throughout the country.
