WASHINGTON, DC- On Wednesday, the Department of Justice filed lawsuits against four sanctuary states challenging their unconstitutional policies denying confidential license plates to federal agencies. The move by those states is the latest in a series of childish steps taken by liberal jurisdictions to impede federal authorities.
In a press release, the DOJ said it had filed lawsuits against Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington State after each of those states, governed by left-wing governors, refused to revise their policies after a prompt letter from the Justice Department explaining how those policies were illegal.
“Not only are these policies unconstitutional, but, as alleged in the complaint, these policies threaten the operational effectiveness and safety of federal agents who have faced a wave of targeted harassment,” the agency wrote. “If federal agents cannot use confidential plates, dangerous individuals can track and evade law enforcement. There is no justification for states to deny confidential license plates to federal agents.”
The move by the four liberal states is the latest move in an attempt to obstruct operations of federal law enforcement agencies. Some states have passed laws blocking federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks, however the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that such bans are unconstitutional. It is expected the issue will eventually find its way to the United States Supreme Court.
“This Department of Justice will exercise any and all lawful authorities to support the brave men and women of law enforcement,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe and must be able to carry out their duties effectively. By denying undercover license plates to DHS components, including ICE, while issuing them to their own state agencies, these governors are pursuing discriminatory and obstructionist policies against federal law enforcement. These actions undermine federal immigration enforcement, allow dangerous criminals to escape justice, and terrorize American communities.”
“The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the operational effectiveness and safety of law enforcement from these unconstitutional state policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Al Shumate of the DOJ’s Civil Division.
Blanche has instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede federal operations. This lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country.
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