Department of Justice Sues Boston Over Immigration Policies
The Department of Justice and Trump administration are suing the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Police Commissioner Michael Cox, alleging the city's immigration policies illegally obstruct federal enforcement efforts.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Police Commissioner Michael Cox regarding the city's immigration policies.
- The lawsuit alleges that Boston's policies are illegal because they obstruct the Federal Government from enforcing immigration laws, classifying Boston as a "sanctuary city."
- Attorney General Pamela Bondi accused Boston of being one of America's worst sanctuary city offenders, leading to the legal action from the Trump administration.
- The Justice Department argues that Boston's policies intentionally hinder federal immigration law enforcement efforts, prompting the federal government's legal challenge.
- Mayor Michelle Wu has defended Boston against the lawsuit, calling it an "unconstitutional attack" and asserting the city's status as a thriving and safe major city.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally by presenting the facts of the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu. They balance the arguments from both the DOJ and Mayor Wu, allowing each side to articulate their position without editorial bias or loaded language in the reporting itself.
"The lawsuit targets the Boston Trust Act, which limits the role of the city in enforcing federal immigration laws."
CBS NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
The lawsuit targets Boston's sanctuary city policies, specifically highlighting the Boston Trust Act, which limits local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement except in major public safety issues, and prohibits local police from engaging with immigration enforcement absent criminal warrants.
The Department of Justice alleges that Boston's immigration policies illegally obstruct federal immigration enforcement, resulting in the release of dangerous criminals who should be subject to removal, and that the city explicitly enforces policies designed to undermine law enforcement and protect undocumented immigrants from justice.
Mayor Michelle Wu has condemned the lawsuit as an 'unconstitutional attack' on Boston, asserting that the city's policies are lawful exercises of local authority, and emphasizing Boston as a thriving, safe major city that will vigorously defend its laws and constitutional rights against the administration's actions.
The Boston Trust Act, enacted in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2024, allows Boston police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities only for serious public safety concerns while limiting involvement in civil immigration enforcement, a policy DOJ claims obstructs federal law enforcement but Boston argues fosters community trust and safety.
Yes, the Trump administration has filed similar lawsuits against other cities including Los Angeles, New York City, Denver, Rochester in New York, and several cities in New Jersey, aiming to challenge sanctuary city policies and reinforce federal immigration enforcement.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.