Overview

• Attorney General Pam Bondi gave Boston until Aug. 19 to outline compliance with federal immigration enforcement, warning of possible grant withdrawals, civil suits and even criminal referrals.
• Mayor Michelle Wu held a City Hall event and sent a formal letter rejecting the demand, defending Boston’s Trust Act and arguing the city’s community-policing approach supports public safety.
• DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said "everything is on the table," including lawsuits and withholding federal funds, in response to Boston’s refusal to change its policies.
• Boston’s stance is shaped by a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that bars holding people on civil immigration detainers, constraining local cooperation with ICE.
• The DOJ issued similar letters to dozens of jurisdictions nationwide designated as 'sanctuary,' signaling a broader campaign likely to move into court challenges and funding fights.