The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on May 28, 2026, that it has filed lawsuits against the states of Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts for denying undercover license plates to federal immigration agencies. The DOJ claims that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was restricted from accessing these confidential plates due to immigration enforcement policies in these states, which continue to issue such plates to state and local law enforcement.
The lawsuits follow letters sent by the DOJ to each state after the implementation of these policies, which were not rescinded. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the policies of these states put law enforcement officers at risk and hinder federal immigration enforcement. He emphasized the need for law enforcement to have the tools necessary to perform their duties effectively.
The court filings indicate that Massachusetts and Washington have refused to issue confidential license plates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to objections to their immigration enforcement missions. The DOJ argues that these actions obstruct federal immigration enforcement and undermine public safety. The lawsuits seek to declare the states' policies unconstitutional and to resume the issuance of confidential plates for federal agents.
