The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Connecticut and the city of New Haven, alleging that their sanctuary policies interfere with federal immigration enforcement. The complaint targets Connecticut’s Trust Act and an executive order issued by New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, which limits local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The DOJ argues that these policies violate the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which establishes federal law as superior to state and local laws. The lawsuit names Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, New Haven, and Mayor Elicker as defendants. The DOJ claims the policies have allowed "dangerous criminals" to be released into communities and obstruct federal law enforcement.
Mayor Elicker disputes the DOJ’s allegations, stating that the lawsuit misrepresents the city’s policies. He argues that the complaint contains inaccuracies and that the executive order has been misinterpreted. Elicker has vowed to fight the lawsuit, asserting that the city has acted lawfully.
The lawsuit is part of a broader federal effort to challenge sanctuary policies nationwide. The DOJ has previously sued other states and localities over similar immigration enforcement restrictions. The case is expected to raise significant legal and political questions about the balance of power between federal and state governments in immigration enforcement.