Federal government files lawsuit against Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu, asserting dispute over the city's sanctuary immigration practices

DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Boston Over Sanctuary Policies

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the city of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and other city officials, alleging that the Boston Trust Act impedes federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, which focuses on the Boston Trust Act, claims that the act's provisions deliberately obstruct federal immigration officers and impair federal detention of removable aliens, including dangerous criminals.

The Boston Trust Act, adopted by the Boston City Council in 2014, allows the Boston Police Department to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on public safety issues while refraining from civil immigration enforcement. In August 2024, the City Council reaffirmed the Trust Act's importance, with the resolution passing unanimously, including Mayor Michelle Wu's support.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, in her August letter to Mayor Wu, asked for ways the city would eliminate laws and policies that impede federal immigration enforcement. Bondi stated that Boston has enforced policies to undermine law enforcement and protect illegal aliens from justice. In response, Mayor Wu stated that Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom and a home for everyone. Wu also asserted that the Boston Trust Act is a valid exercise of local authority and fully consistent with federal law.

The DOJ argues that the Boston Trust Act should be declared unlawful under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. The lawsuit alleges that the city's policies obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws, endangering public safety by releasing criminals into Boston who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States.

Mayor Wu, in her response to the lawsuit, vows not to back down and defends Boston's laws. Bondi warned Wu that officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement could be subject to criminal charges or civil liability. The Boston Police Department and its police commissioner, Michael Cox, are named as defendants in the lawsuit.

The DOJ has filed similar legal challenges against other cities, including Los Angeles and New York City. However, in July, a federal judge dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit against Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago over sanctuary laws. In her August letter to the attorney general, Mayor Wu cited the dismissal of the lawsuit against Illinois as a precedent.

This lawsuit marks another step in the ongoing debate over sanctuary cities and the role of local authorities in enforcing federal immigration laws. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the courts rule on the legality of the Boston Trust Act and similar policies in other cities.

Federal government files lawsuit against Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu, asserting dispute over the city's sanctuary immigration practices