Overview

• Filed Thursday in federal court in Massachusetts, the lawsuit names the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Police Department and Commissioner Michael Cox.
• The complaint centers on the Boston Trust Act, which limits cooperation with ICE detainers and civil immigration enforcement, and alleges the policy has led to the release of people convicted of offenses such as aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled Boston “among the worst sanctuary offenders,” arguing the city’s rules obstruct federal immigration enforcement and violate federal law.
• Wu called the action an unconstitutional attack and said Boston will vigorously defend its laws and the constitutional authority of cities, asserting the city remains the safest major city in the country.
• The case is part of a broader DOJ campaign that includes suits against New York City, Los Angeles and Denver; a judge recently dismissed a similar case against Illinois, and courts have limited the administration’s efforts to withhold funds from targeted jurisdictions.