DOJ Sues Connecticut, New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies

Federal lawsuit targets state's Trust Act and other local immigration enforcement limits

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A dimly lit government building with warm sunlight streaming through the windows, creating deep shadows and a sense of solemnity, conceptually representing the legal battle over immigration policies.A federal lawsuit targets Connecticut's 'sanctuary' policies, escalating the conflict between state and local governments and the federal government over immigration enforcement.New Haven Today

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Connecticut and the city of New Haven, alleging that their sanctuary policies are illegally interfering with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Why it matters

The lawsuit represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict between state and local governments that have enacted 'sanctuary' policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and the federal government's efforts to assert its authority over immigration enforcement.

The details

The DOJ complaint specifically targets Connecticut's Trust Act, which limits state and local law enforcement's ability to hold undocumented immigrants on behalf of federal immigration agents. The lawsuit also challenges other sanctuary policies adopted by the state and the city of New Haven.

  • The lawsuit was filed on April 14, 2026.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut.

William Tong

The Attorney General of Connecticut.

Justin Elicker

The Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut.

Brett Shumate

The Assistant Attorney General who announced the lawsuit on behalf of the Department of Justice.

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What they’re saying

“Connecticut communities have paid the price of these misguided sanctuary policies.”

— Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General

What’s next

The case is expected to proceed through the federal court system, with both sides likely to appeal any initial rulings.

The takeaway

This lawsuit represents the latest clash in the ongoing battle between state and local governments that have enacted 'sanctuary' policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and the federal government's efforts to assert its authority over immigration enforcement.