Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside attorneys general from ten other states, issued a joint statement regarding federal immigration enforcement. The statement responds to a memorandum from a Trump political appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice.
The attorneys general emphasized that "it is well-established — through longstanding Supreme Court precedent — that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws." They referenced the Printz v. United States ruling, which determined that the federal government cannot compel state police officers to enforce federal immigration laws without compensation.
The statement also addressed concerns about potential actions by the president, noting that "despite what he may say to the contrary, the president cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution." The attorneys general expressed apprehension over threats they perceive as attempts to use prosecutorial authority against public servants who comply with state laws.
They assured that their states would respond if any illegal actions were taken: "Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper. But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions."
Finally, they reiterated their commitment to enforcing state laws and investigating crimes regardless of immigration status: "As state attorneys general, we have a responsibility to enforce state laws, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status."