The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the City of Boston, Massachusetts, its Mayor Michelle Wu, and the Boston Police Department, alleging that the city’s sanctuary policies violate federal immigration enforcement laws. The suit claims these policies hinder the government’s ability to address illegal immigration and protect public safety.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The City of Boston and its Mayor have been among the worst sanctuary offenders in America – they explicitly enforce policies designed to undermine law enforcement and protect illegal aliens from justice.” She emphasized that Boston’s approach has allowed dangerous individuals to avoid removal, citing specific cases involving crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
Bondi highlighted incidents such as a Haitian national charged with raping a child in a migrant center and an 18-year-old illegal alien from Haiti accused of molesting a 10-year-old child. She also referenced an El Salvadoran immigrant facing 11 counts of child rape. “If Boston won’t protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will,” she said.
The lawsuit targets the Boston Trust Act, which restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The DOJ argues that the policy “discriminates against the Federal Government” and undermines lawful immigration operations. It further claims that the city’s refusal to assist in deportations has led to the release of criminals convicted of aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Mayor Wu defended Boston’s policies, stating, “Boston is a thriving community… and the safest major city in the country.” She condemned the lawsuit as an attack on local governance, asserting that the city will “vigorously defend our laws and the constitutional rights of cities.”
The DOJ has previously targeted sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide, including New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. Bondi’s office announced in August a list of sanctuary cities, vowing to challenge policies it deems unlawful. Boston’s refusal to comply with federal immigration enforcement demands has led to this latest legal action.
