DOJ Sues Boston Over Sanctuary City Policies
The Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has initiated legal actions against another sanctuary jurisdiction—Boston.
This lawsuit, filed on Thursday, claims that the city’s sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. The DOJ argues that Boston’s approach is not only problematic but also illegal.
According to a DOJ statement, “If Boston doesn’t protect its citizens from crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, this Department of Justice will.”
The agency has criticized Mayor Michelle Wu for her unwavering support of the sanctuary policy.
In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi, Mayor Wu asserted that Boston would not “retreat” from its sanctuary policies. The DOJ’s documentation reads, “Cities cannot stop the federal government from enforcing immigration laws. When that occurs, those cities violate the law; Boston is doing just that.”
Specifically, the DOJ contends that the Boston Trust Act, a pivotal piece of local legislation, is in violation of federal law by limiting cooperation with immigration authorities.
The ongoing lawsuit against Boston aligns with the DOJ’s broader strategy to challenge sanctuary policies nationwide. Prior complaints have also been submitted against jurisdictions in New York, New Jersey, and California.
Bondi remarked, “The city of Boston and its mayor are among the worst offenders against federal immigration enforcement. Their policies are specifically structured to shield undocumented immigrants from legal consequences.”
In response to the lawsuit, Mayor Wu declared that the city would not capitulate. “This is our city, and we are dedicated to defending our laws and the constitutional rights of our community, which have been consistently upheld by courts across the country,” she stated.
Wu continued, saying, “This unconstitutional attack on our city wasn’t unexpected. Boston stands as the economic and cultural center of New England and is recognized as one of the safest major cities in the United States. The current administration seems intent on undermining our community and enforcing its own authoritarian objectives.”
