The Trump administration has directed US prosecutors to initiate criminal investigations against state and local officials who defy federal immigration laws, a significant step in immigration control that began on President Trump’s first day in office.
In a memo seen by Reuters, Trump’s acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove wrote, “Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, or otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests.”
This policy was issued as the new Republican administration prepares to intensify its efforts against illegal immigration in cities with significant migrant populations, such as New York and Chicago, which limit cooperation with such measures.
The memo underscores how Trump’s Justice Department may try to advance his immigration agenda by extending threats of criminal charges beyond immigrants or those who employ them to city and state officials.
Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency on Monday, tasking the US military with supporting border security, imposing a broad ban on asylum, and taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born in the US.
