Justice Department Sues Oregon, Washington Over Undercover Plates for Federal Agents
The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against Oregon, Washington, Maine and Massachusetts over state policies that restrict confidential or undercover license plates for federal law enforcement vehicles.
DOJ announced the lawsuits May 28, saying the states refused to rescind policies the department considers unconstitutional. The department argues the restrictions discriminate against federal agencies and interfere with immigration enforcement operations.
In Oregon, federal lawyers say the DMV paused confidential plates and registrations for federal agencies while continuing to provide them to state and local law enforcement. The complaint also says Oregon has directed federal vehicles toward more identifiable U.S. government plates.
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In Washington, DOJ says the state suspended issuance and renewal of undercover plates for DHS-affiliated entities after a Homeland Security Investigations request. The complaint says Washington continues to provide undercover plates to other federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Secret Service.
State officials frame the dispute differently. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson told The Associated Press that the state continues to assist federal criminal law enforcement but will not facilitate DHS civil immigration tactics he said courts have found unconstitutional. Oregon officials said existing unexpired federal plates remain usable while the DMV reviews its program.
The legal stakes are broader than license plates. If DOJ wins, states may be forced to provide federal immigration agencies the same confidential vehicle tools available to other law enforcement bodies. If the states prevail, they could preserve more discretion over whether state DMV systems support civil immigration enforcement.
No court has ruled on the merits. DOJ is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.
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