A recent Justice Department memo obtained by a reliable source sheds light on the Trump administration's strategy to confront sanctuary cities laws. The memo, authored by acting Deputy Attorney General Emile Bove, outlines a plan to prosecute state and local officials who resist the federal immigration crackdown.
The three-page directive emphasizes that federal prosecutors who decline to pursue immigration cases will be reported to the Justice Department for potential investigation and prosecution. The memo underscores the administration's efforts to create legal memos that can withstand challenges in court.
The memo states, 'Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests.' It directs the U.S. Attorney's Offices and other Department of Justice components to investigate incidents of misconduct for potential prosecution.
Furthermore, the memo tasks the department's civil division with identifying state and local laws that could hinder Trump's immigration initiatives and challenging them in court. Bove's memo labels these changes as interim policy guidance until the confirmation of Pamela Bondi as attorney general.
