Department of Justice Sues Oregon, Washington, Maine and Massachusetts Over ICE Undercover License Plates
The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and Maine, accusing the states of unlawfully refusing to issue confidential license plates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other federal officers. The administration argues the policies violate the Constitution by discriminating against federal law enforcement while continuing to provide similar protections to state and local agencies.
State leaders defend the restrictions, saying they do not want state resources used to facilitate civil immigration enforcement and argue that undercover vehicle programs should not support what they describe as aggressive immigration tactics.
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The lawsuits represent the latest clash between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states over immigration policy. The cases could become an important test of federal authority under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and may help determine how much latitude states have when federal agencies seek assistance tied to immigration enforcement.
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