DOJ sues four states over denial of covert plates

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against four states, alleging their policies of denying confidential license plates to federal immigration agents are unconstitutional and endanger officer safety. The legal complaints, filed in federal district courts, target Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington.

Federal officials argue the states are unlawfully discriminating against the federal government by refusing to issue the undercover plates to components of the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, while continuing to provide them to state and local law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department contends these plates are a standard tool that helps agents conceal their identities and vehicles during operations, protecting them from harassment, tracking, and potential violence.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that law enforcement officers risk their lives daily and must be able to carry out their duties effectively. He accused the states of pursuing discriminatory and obstructionist policies that undermine federal immigration enforcement, allow dangerous criminals to escape...