A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration that challenged Boston's ordinance limiting police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled on Friday that the Justice Department lacked the legal standing to pursue the case against the city and Mayor Michelle Wu.
The Boston Trust Act Under Fire
The lawsuit specifically targeted the Boston Trust Act, a 2014 law that prohibits city officials from collaborating with federal authorities, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on civil immigration enforcement. The Trump administration argued that the law obstructed federal efforts to enforce immigration laws and was therefore unconstitutional.
Judge's Ruling and Legal Standing
Judge Sorokin, however, determined that the federal government could not demonstrate a concrete injury sufficient to establish standing. He noted that even if the city's law were blocked, Boston police would still be unable to assist ICE due to a 2017 ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. That ruling held that local police cannot detain individuals solely on the basis of a civil immigration detainer.
This dismissal marks another loss for the Justice Department, which has failed in all similar lawsuits against 'sanctuary' policies in other cities and states. The decision is a significant victory for Mayor Michelle Wu and sanctuary city advocates.
Implications for Sanctuary Policies
The ruling reinforces the legal protections for sanctuary policies, which limit local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Supporters argue these policies build trust between immigrant communities and police, while critics claim they undermine federal law. The Justice Department has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.
