Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, together with attorneys general from twelve other states, issued a joint statement concerning a memorandum from a Trump-era appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice. The statement addresses state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
The group of 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 court ruling in Printz v. United States, stating that "the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service—and at no cost to itself—the police officers of the 50 States.’"
The statement also highlighted concerns over presidential actions: “Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution.” The attorneys general expressed unease about potential misuse of prosecutorial authority by the U.S. Department of Justice against public servants complying with state laws.
The joint declaration assured that any attempts to convert threats into illegal actions would be met with appropriate responses from their states. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing state laws without regard to immigration status, stating: “We will not be distracted by the President’s mass deportation agenda.”