Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Boston’s Sanctuary City Policy by Trump Administration

Federal Court Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Boston’s Sanctuary City Policy

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration that challenged Boston’s sanctuary city policy. Since 2014, the city has enacted the Boston Trust Act, which restricts private cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Last September, the Justice Department initiated legal action, claiming that Boston’s policies hinder immigration enforcement and inflict “sovereign harm” on the federal government. Justice Department attorneys requested a federal judge to prevent the implementation of these policies.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Judge Leo T. Sorokin stated that he had no option but to dismiss the case, noting that neither he nor any federal judge could grant the relief sought by the government. Sorokin referenced a 2017 ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which determined that civil immigration detainers do not permit local law enforcement to detain individuals beyond the limits set by state law. Thus, contesting the legality of the Boston Trust Act did not alter this situation.

“Regardless of the Boston Trust Act, the Boston Police Department is not authorized to detain an individual solely based on a federal immigration detainer or administrative warrant,” Sorokin explained. He further noted that the Boston Trust Act does not grant the city the authority to direct city employees to undertake actions beyond what state law permits, nor does it allow Boston police officers leeway in deciding whether to respect the rights of ICE detainees.

Mayor Michelle Wu responded to the ruling, affirming that Boston will continue to safeguard its residents from what she described as “reckless” federal policies. “We reaffirm our commitment to local public safety laws and community policing, which have established Boston as the safest major city in America,” she stated. Wu urged the administration to cease its “lawless attacks” on cities, police departments, and the residents they serve.

The Justice Department has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding the ruling. Previously, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi had criticized Mayor Wu’s approach when the lawsuit was filed. “The city of Boston and its mayor exemplify some of the most egregious sanctuary policies in America, aimed at undermining law enforcement and providing shelter to undocumented individuals,” Bondi remarked. “If Boston won’t protect its citizens from crimes committed by illegal aliens, this Department of Justice will.” In response to the lawsuit’s filing, Wu characterized the lawsuit as an “unconstitutional attack” and noted that Boston is a vibrant community central to New England’s culture and economy.

While the term “sanctuary city” lacks a precise definition, it typically refers to areas where cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is limited. Although ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws across the United States, it relies on state and local governments for assistance in identifying immigrants eligible for deportation and detaining them in federal custody.

During its tenure, the Trump administration has filed lawsuits against several local governments, including those of Los Angeles, New York, and Denver, regarding their immigration enforcement policies.