DOJ Sues Connecticut and New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies

Lawsuit targets state's Trust Act, alleging it interferes with federal immigration enforcement.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in shades of blue, gray, and red depicting the silhouettes of government buildings and law enforcement vehicles, conceptually representing the high-tension conflict between federal and local authorities over immigration policies.A legal battle over immigration enforcement pits federal authorities against state and local sanctuary policies.New Haven Today

The United States Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Connecticut and the city of New Haven, challenging their sanctuary policies. The lawsuit targets Connecticut's Trust Act, alleging it interferes with federal immigration policies and allows 'dangerous criminals' to be released into local communities.

Why it matters

This lawsuit is part of a broader federal effort to crack down on sanctuary policies across the country, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The outcome could have significant implications for how state and local governments balance public safety with immigration enforcement.

The details

The DOJ lawsuit names Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker as defendants. It alleges that Connecticut's Trust Act, which limits when state and local law enforcement can assist federal immigration authorities, is illegal under federal law and 'puts citizens at risk'.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

United States Department of Justice

The federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal law and administering justice.

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut.

William Tong

The Attorney General of Connecticut.

Justin Elicker

The Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut.

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What’s next

The case will now proceed through the federal court system, with the state and city expected to defend their sanctuary policies.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between federal, state, and local governments over immigration enforcement, with the outcome potentially having far-reaching implications for how sanctuary cities and states operate.