New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has spearheaded a coalition of 11 state attorneys general in releasing a joint statement. The statement addresses a memorandum from a Trump-era appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice concerning the role of state and local authorities in federal immigration enforcement.
The statement emphasizes 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." It references the court ruling in Printz v. United States, which determined that the federal government cannot compel state police officers to enforce federal immigration laws without compensation.
The coalition expressed concerns about potential overreach by the President, stating, "Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution." They warned against threats to use prosecutorial power against public servants adhering to state laws, highlighting that such actions could undermine trust between law enforcement and communities.
Furthermore, they affirmed their commitment as state attorneys general to uphold state laws and pursue investigations and prosecutions irrespective of immigration status. They stated clearly: "We will not be distracted by the President’s mass deportation agenda."
Attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Vermont joined James and Bonta in this declaration.