DOJ sues Mayor Wu over immigration policies: Boston 'among the worst sanctuary offenders'

FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Justice brought a lawsuit Thursday against Boston over allegations the city's policies shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities, marking an escalation in the Trump administration's fight with the Democratic stronghold.

The DOJ named Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the city's police commissioner in the lawsuit and zeroed in on the Boston Trust Act, a law that prevents local police from cooperating with certain requests from federal immigration authorities.

"[Wu's] resistance endangers public safety, resulting in a number of criminals being released into Boston who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States," DOJ attorneys said in the complaint.

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The lawsuit is the latest in a string of legal actions the DOJ has taken against cities and states it deems sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. In addition to warning letters it has sent to several jurisdictions, the department has also sued Colorado, California, Illinois and others.

A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s lawsuit against Illinois, saying its state and local policies were protected by the Constitution and that the DOJ encroached on Illinois’ sovereignty. The department has filed an appeal in that case.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wu and her city "have been among the worst sanctuary offenders in America."

"They explicitly enforce policies designed to undermine law enforcement and protect illegal aliens from justice," Bondi said. "If Boston won’t protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will."

Fox News Digital reached out to Wu's office for comment. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.