DOJ Sues Connecticut, New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies
Summary
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, the City of New Haven, and Mayor Justin Elicker on April 13, 2026. The DOJ challenges Connecticut's "Trust Act" and other sanctuary policies as unlawful interference with federal immigration enforcement. The complaint alleges these policies allowed dangerous criminals to be released into Connecticut communities. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
What changed
The Justice Department filed suit in the District of Connecticut challenging Connecticut's Trust Act and related sanctuary policies. The DOJ alleges these state and local policies are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because they obstruct federal immigration law enforcement. The complaint specifically claims these policies have resulted in the release of dangerous criminals into communities.
State and local government entities with sanctuary policies should monitor this litigation closely, as the DOJ's position signals aggressive enforcement of federal immigration authority against jurisdictions perceived as non-compliant. This lawsuit follows similar actions against Minnesota, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, New York State, Colorado, Illinois, Rochester, and several New Jersey cities, indicating a coordinated federal strategy to challenge sanctuary jurisdictions.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates on the federal lawsuit
- Consult legal counsel regarding potential implications of federal preemption doctrine
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
News
Press Release
Justice Department Sues Connecticut, City of New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies
Monday, April 13, 2026
Share For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Yesterday, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, the City of New Haven, and Mayor Elicker to challenge the State’s and City’s sanctuary policies that interfere with the federal government’s enforcement of immigration laws.
The complaint targets Connecticut’s so-called “Trust Act,” as well as other state and local sanctuary policies. Not only are the policies illegal under federal law, but, as alleged in the complaint, they have allowed dangerous criminals to be released into Connecticut communities. The State’s and City’s intentional efforts to obstruct federal law enforcement put citizens at risk and are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
“For years, Connecticut communities have paid the price of these misguided sanctuary policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This lawsuit seeks to end such open defiance of federal law.”
The case, filed in the District of Connecticut, is the latest action from the Justice Department targeting illegal sanctuary policies across the country, including Minnesota, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, New York State, Colorado, Illinois, Rochester, and several New Jersey cities.
Read the full complaint here.
Updated April 14, 2026 Component Civil Division Press Release Number: 26-350
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