Connecticut
Justice Department Sanctuary City Lawsuits Target Policies Across the U.S.
As the Trump administration continues its crackdown on illegal immigration, states and cities that have pushed back with so-called sanctuary policies have faced a barrage of lawsuits from the U.S. Department of Justice. The administration has filed a total of 27 lawsuits…
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Key points
- The Justice Department is suing cities and states over sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Maryland’s recent law prohibiting local inquiries into immigration status is a key focus of these lawsuits.
- The outcomes of these legal challenges vary, with some judges siding with federal authorities against local policies.
NewsWK — In a significant legal push, the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated numerous lawsuits against cities and states that have enacted sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Since January 2025, a total of 27 lawsuits have been filed against over 20 jurisdictions, including notable cases in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, and Philadelphia.
DOJ Sanctuary State Lawsuits Challenge Local Restrictions
These sanctuary policies often aim to restrict immigration enforcement in public areas and limit local law enforcement’s ability to work alongside federal immigration agents. According to the Justice Department, these laws contradict established constitutional principles by obstructing federal law enforcement efforts. Kiersten Pels, a spokesperson for the agency, stated, “States and localities do not have a right to obstruct federal law enforcement, to regulate the federal government, or to discriminate against the federal government.”
Maryland Sanctuary Law Lawsuit Highlights Growing Tensions
Maryland has recently become a focal point in this legal battle. The state’s new law, effective since May 31, prohibits local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status and restricts them from detaining individuals without a warrant. The Justice Department argues this law obstructs federal immigration enforcement, with Maryland Democratic state Senator Clarence Lam defending the legislation by asserting, “Our state taxpayer dollars should not go towards having local law enforcement enforce federal immigration law.”
The outcomes of these lawsuits have been mixed. A recent decision from a U.S. District Judge in Pennsylvania supported the administration’s stance against Philadelphia’s new policy, citing the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. This ruling underscores the ongoing tension between state-level sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement, a conflict expected to continue as various jurisdictions navigate their legal and constitutional obligations.
Based on reporting by Shalina Chatlani originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
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