Connecticut officials blast Trump over lawsuit targeting New Haven, state’s immigration policies
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The City of New Haven and State of Connecticut are receiving national attention after being targeted this week by a lawsuit from the U.S. Justice Department regarding their sanctuary policies.
The administration of President Donald Trump feels as though the city and state are interfering with the federal government’s enforcement of immigration laws.
In addition to the city and state, Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker were each called out by the DOJ.
Federal prosecutors say the city and state’s sanctuary policies are illegal and have allowed dangerous criminals to be released into Connecticut communities.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shuamate of the DOJ’s Civil Division called the policies “misguided” and added that “this lawsuit seeks to end such open defiance of federal law.”
In response to the lawsuit, several top Connecticut officials at different levels of government blasted the Trump Administration.
Elicker emphasized that New Haven is a welcoming city that embraces immigrants who want to be productive members of society. He said his city’s policies are both legally sound and keep people safe.
“We’re committed to ensuring all 'New Haveners' feel safe calling the police, seeking medical care, sending their kids to school and accessing other critical public services,” Elicker said. “Conversely, if any individual commits a violent crime in New Haven, we’re committed to arresting them and bringing them to justice, regardless of their immigrations status.”
Elicker said he was not surprised by the Trump Administration’s action and noted that the lawsuit contains inaccuracies and untruths about the city’s “Welcoming City” executive order.
“We are confident we are on the right side of the law – and, equally important, we are confident we are on the right side of history,” Elicker said. “We will continue to stand up to President Trump, and we will continue to defend our residents, our city and its values.”
Tong stressed that the state’s policies honor and respect immigrant workers and families. He expressed that their contributions are welcome here.
“It is a shame that the President and the Department of Justice are not focused on public safety but are wasting federal resources on attacking Connecticut with a baseless lawsuit that has no foundation in law or fact,” Tong said.
Lamont pledged that his office will vigorously defend the state’s laws against the federal government’s complaints.
“Our Trust Act and related policies are consistent with the Constitution and reflect our responsibility to govern responsibly, protect public safety and uphold the rights of all residents,” Lamont said.
He added that the state respects the rules of law and the roles of both the state and federal governments and promised that Connecticut values keeping its communities safe from criminals.
However, that doesn’t mean that the state will close its borders to immigrants who are attempting to enter the country through the proper channels to improve their lives.
Lamont also believes that Connecticut’s laws don’t impede the government’s ability to do its job.
“Our laws do not prevent federal authorities from enforcing immigration law. Rather, they reflect a longstanding principle: the federal government cannot require states to use their personnel or resources to carry out federal enforcement policies,” Lamont said.
U.S. Rep. John Larson (CT-01) also weighed in, calling the lawsuit an example of the Trump Administration’s “weaponization of the justice system.”
He said he stands with the state’s delegation and the city of New Haven, as they prepare to battle the DOJ in court.
“The real lawlessness here is the President's transformation of federal immigration enforcement into his own secret police force. On his watch, agents have executed citizens in our streets, snatched mothers from their children in communities right here in our state and threatened peaceful protesters with excessive force across the country. Our state and local law enforcement work hard to keep our communities safe. They are not an extension of Donald Trump’s personal army,” Larson said.