Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, along with attorneys general from ten states, has issued a joint statement in response to a memorandum from a Trump appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice. The memorandum concerns the role of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.
The statement highlights 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 refers to the court ruling in Printz v. United States, which asserts that "the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service—and at no cost to itself—the police officers of the 50 States.’" This principle is described as a fundamental aspect of American federalism.
The statement further criticizes actions by President Trump, stating, "Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution." It accuses him of making "troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justice’s prosecutorial authority and resources" against public servants who comply with their state laws.
The attorneys general reaffirm their commitment to enforcing state laws without being influenced by federal immigration policies: "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."
They emphasize that they will not be swayed by what they describe as "the President’s mass deportation agenda."