Trump Administration Sues Boston Over Sanctuary City Policies
The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Boston, targeting its sanctuary city policies as part of a broader national effort to dismantle local laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenges the Boston Trust Act, which restricts the Boston Police Department from engaging in civil immigration enforcement unless public safety is directly at risk.
Under the ordinance, police are barred from holding individuals solely at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a criminal warrant. The Department of Justice argues that this policy violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which gives federal law precedence over conflicting state or local laws. The DOJ claims Boston’s policies have led to the release of dangerous individuals who should have been turned over to federal authorities.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi sharply criticized Boston’s leadership, stating, “If Boston won’t protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will.” She cited cases involving individuals convicted of serious crimes like assault, burglary, and trafficking who were released rather than transferred to ICE custody, blaming the city’s policies for putting public safety at risk.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu responded forcefully, defending the city’s ordinance as constitutional and necessary. “This is our city, and we will vigorously defend our laws,” she said, calling the lawsuit a politically motivated attack. Wu added that Boston remains a safe and welcoming community.
Legal experts note that the case may face significant hurdles, as courts have generally ruled that the federal government cannot force local jurisdictions to enforce immigration laws. Still, the lawsuit signals the Trump administration’s ongoing push to challenge sanctuary policies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
