Trump Administration Sues Four States Over Federal Agents’ License Plates

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington for denying undercover license plates to federal agents. This legal action escalates the conflict between the White House and Democrat-led states over the president’s immigration policies.

The Department of Justice claims these states impose unconstitutional restrictions that hinder law enforcement operations and jeopardize agent safety. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that by refusing license plates to federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the governors of these states promote discriminatory policies. Blanche added that such actions undermine federal immigration enforcement and enable criminals to escape justice.

The lawsuits, filed in federal district courts on Wednesday, argue that these states are attempting to obstruct federal immigration law enforcement, which is a federal responsibility. Additionally, the Department of Justice asserts that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from regulating federal law enforcement activities.

Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, overseeing the state’s license plate program, believes that her actions will stand up in court. Bellows affirms that ICE activities in Maine have created fear among residents. She emphasizes that democracy should have no place for secret police and pledges to protect the security of Maine’s citizens.

A spokesperson for Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell stated that state lawyers are reviewing the lawsuit to defend their vehicle registration policies. Oregon and Washington officials did not comment on the federal action.

The federal government claims that easily identifiable agents face increased harassment and threats of physical harm. Officials argue that these agents are involved in apprehending violent criminals, including cartel members and traffickers, and need anonymity for safety.

The legal challenge follows an exchange between the DOJ and state officials. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey recently defended the state’s policy, arguing it reflects a legitimate decision not to let federal authorities use state resources for their immigration enforcement activities, which have led to abusive incidents.

Bellows halted the issuance of confidential plates in January following intensified federal immigration operations in Maine. The legal complaint argues Maine has long provided confidential plates to state agencies, which are clearly authorized by Maine law. However, requiring federal applicants to certify that the plates will not be used for civil immigration enforcement is deemed discriminatory against federal agencies.

Comparisons arise with past disputes over federal agents wearing masks while deployed in U.S. cities. This issue gained attention during a government shutdown when Democrats demanded changes in immigration enforcement policy after masked federal agents were involved in fatal incidents.

The administration maintains the mask policy and was successful in getting a court to block a California law preventing agents from covering their faces. The government continues to oppose sanctuary cities, where local law enforcement doesn’t assist federal immigration authorities. Blanche has tasked the Justice Department’s Civil Division with identifying state and local laws or policies that may hinder federal operations.

Report by Barrow in Atlanta, with contributions from Whittle in Scarborough, Maine.