The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque on May 8, saying a recent state law and city ordinance infringe on federal immigration enforcement authorities.
“New Mexico is attempting to regulate immigration policy, something the federal government is clearly and uniquely empowered by the Constitution to do,” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said.
The lawsuit calls on a judge to grant a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the state law and city ordinance, and seeks a judgment declaring both invalid.
On Feb. 5, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into state law a bill that prohibits partnerships between local governments and federal immigration authorities to assist in the detention and removal of non-U.S. citizens from the country. The state legislation is set to go into effect on May 20….
Justice Department Sues New Mexico, Albuquerque for Obstructing Federal Immigration Enforcement
