DOJ Sues Virginia Over Laws Limiting Federal Immigration Enforcement

The Department of Justice (DOJ) cautions that Virginia risks becoming like California regarding federal immigration enforcement. The DOJ has filed a lawsuit aiming to prevent Virginia from becoming a sanctuary jurisdiction akin to California. Brett Shumate, DOJ Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, expressed this concern in a Zoom interview with Fox News Digital.

The lawsuit, as revealed in June, accuses Virginia of violating the Constitution. The state allegedly regulates federal law enforcement operations by imposing limits on agents’ masks and identification requirements and placing conditions on cooperation with ICE. According to Shumate, the Constitution does not allow states to regulate federal duties, especially in law enforcement. Virginia recently passed two bills. One restricts law enforcement officers’ facial coverings and mandates identification badges for federal agents.

The second bill limits cooperation agreements between local agencies, like sheriffs, and ICE for federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit names Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and, notably, Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano, who has connections to groups associated with George Soros.

“We filed a similar lawsuit against California earlier this year and achieved a legal victory,” stated Shumate.

In April, a federal appeals court supported the Trump administration by blocking California’s requirement for federal agents to display identification during operations. This legal precedent boosts the DOJ’s confidence.

“The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution prohibits states from regulating the federal government,” Shumate asserted. “Virginia has overstepped by attempting to dictate federal procedures. They lack that constitutional authority.” The new Virginia laws, effective July 1, prompt the DOJ to act swiftly. A district court judge will be approached to prevent these laws, which contain criminal penalties potentially threatening federal agents with prosecution, doxing, and harassment.

ICE has upheld the practice of agents using concealed identities against rising threats and assaults during operations. Shumate emphasized the DOJ’s vigilance toward similar bills in other states. “States considering such legislation should expect legal challenges and requests for injunctions,” he warned.

Ashley J. DiMella, specializing in politics, reports on this issue for Fox News Digital.